Some friends recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. I was the best man , and some other friends were wedding coordinator and helper, so we had a l ittle dinner party. My visit to local charcuterie was a bust- they were on vacation. So last minute appetizer of shrimp on nori with Japanese mustard. NV Moutard Rose Champagne Pretty cherry and strawberry jam, fresh and straightforward. B
First sitdown course was sea scallops with a wine/chive sauce
2000 Remi Jobard “le Poruzot-Dessus” Meursault 1er I’ve had very good luck with Remi Jobard as far as premOx, but 2000 is often quite mature in any case. This doesn’t show oxidation, bu t isn’t the most interesting Meursault you’re going to run across. Ripe pear and melon, sweet edge, modest finish. B/B-
1997 Stony Hill SHV Chardonnay This is the second wine, intended for early consumption, but this has aged just fine. Sweet mango and apple fruit, floral, with a crisp acidic mineral ly finish. More tropical/exotic than I’m used to from Stony Hill? ??s main Chardonnay, but quite tasty. B+
Main course was a Moroccan chicken dish, with broccoli rabe and rice
1997 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Plummy dark fruits, a little mocha. Tannins resolved, holding well. B
2013 Ora et Labora Mencia (Riberia Sacra) Cassis, coffee, smoke. Like a slightly exotic Bordeaux. B+
Saturday Betsy was away, I had leftovers (mostly meatloaf).
1996 Edmunds St. John “Brandlin Ranch” Zinfandel I don't drink much Zinfandel, and even less older Zin. Maybe that's a mista ke! Vibrant berry fruit, spice, herbs. Deep and long, with a spicy edge to finish. A-/B+
Sunday when Betsy came home I did clams and pasta, more broccoli rabe, and watercress salad. Wine was the 2001 Trimbach “Cuvee Frederic Emile ” Riesling. I went through my initial stash and had to find more. N ice showing- grapefruit and wet rocks, some discrete petrol on the long lon g finish. A-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine , B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectiv ity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.