Betsy had a busy day Wed, so I cooked. Which, if it's not pouring or snowing, means I grilled. London broil, squash, plus I reheated some leftover red cabbage. Red meat seemed to say Cabernet, so I opened the 1997 Franciscan Oakville Estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. A disturbing old-sock aroma hit as I took the first sniff, then I thought it cleared a little and I could discern a little chocolatey note and some black cherry fruit. First sip- hmm. "Betsy, I think this might be mildly corked". By the time we sat down - "omigod". My borderline corked had turned into a basement full of wet cardboard, with a old gym locker in the corner and mold growing along the walls and ceilings. I've never seen TCA intensify like that. Betsy decided she didn't need wine (was working), I had a nice glass of leftover Chevillon Passetoutgrains.
That evening I decided to open a white. Had just picked up some '02 Dönnhoffs and Christoffels from Rochambeau, decided to go with the 2002 Christoffel Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett (AP 2 602 041 002 03). Nice wine, moderate sweetness, nice acidity, very nice green apple fruit with a little slate. Judgement deferred for 24 hours, see below.
Tonight I came home, Betsy was making Char Kway Teow , a Singapore dish with shrimp., chicken, sausage,chinese broccoli, and fresh rice noodles. Probably needed a wine, but both Betsy and I felt like red. A recent gift wine, the 1999 Duca di Salaparuta Terre d'Agala (Sicily). A bit soft, a bit oaky. Some depth to the fruit and a little spiciness keep it from being an exercise in Internally Styled Mediocrity. The spiciness helped with the meal. Not really that bad, assuming its cheap (doesn't show on winesearcher). B-
After dinner, a quick nap then a nice trip into the city with a group of law students, indulging their passion for social justice (which will probably soon translate into a passion for billable hours, but I digress). Back at 2 AM, not ready for bed immediately. The Riesling mades its appearance, proving one again that Kabinett to Spätlese level Riesling is the best choice for a 2AM glass (the 8% alcohol helps). There's a salty mineralness alongside the Granny Smith and white peach fruit, and a real feeling of vibrancy between the light sweetness and the zippy acidity. B+/A-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a pretty easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.
Dale
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