Wednesday I grilled some pork chops and polenta, along with some leftover greens and some fresh tomatoes. The 2003 Nigl Kremser Freiheit Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal). Lighter, riper style of GruVe, flowers and green pea aromas over some light white peach fruit. Pleasant wine on a warm night. B
Thursday we delivered our old couch to some friends who had just bought a condo, and brought them their first dinner in their new place. I had done some red-cooked chicken, the new homeowners supplied the rice and salad. While moving furniture around, we enjoyed the 2003 Basa Rueda. Ripe tropical (guava and pineapple) and citrus/grapefruit flavors, very good acidity, a crowd-pleaser and a Dale-pleaser. B/B+
With the chicken, the 1998 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa). Medium bodied with a vanilla/cherry nose. There's a slight green undercurrent to the red fruit, and a hint of sweetness. I really doubt there's appreciable RS here, but am at a loss - green and sweet fruit? There is decent acidity, and a reasonable finish. B. Poor match for the chicken, but good match for our friend Jim's tastes.
Friday Betsy made a recipe from Wednesday's paper, salmon baked with fresh thyme, lemon, and almonds. I served the 2001 Dominique Laurent "Cuvee Numero 1" Bourgogne. Ripe juicy Pinot, oak present but not overbearing. Not especially Burgundian, I might think it a Carneros or even RRV Pinot, , but good deal at $12. B
Saturday's dinner was also from Wednesday's NYTimes, Florence Fabricant's duck breast with grilled fresh figs (seriously good recipe). The wine was the 2001 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage. Drinking surprisingly well already, clear blackberry fruit with a bit of smoke and tar. Finish lingers, with a nice stoniness. There's a nice backbone of acidity and moderate tannins, this should last. I know some panned this vintage of Graillot, but I like- a lot. Is there a better $20 Northern Rhone out there? A-/B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very 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. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency. Dale
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