Betsy is in NH for some concerts, so Tuesday I just raided fridge for leftovers. Wine was the 2007 Keller Kabinett (Rheinhessen).Keller has been getting lots of buzz, this is my first try. I quite like. Fruit is an interesting blend of peaches, cherries, and lime zest. There's a mineral note, a little more flinty than say a Mosel slatiness. Good length for level, straightforward clean acids, clean and pure. B+
Wednesday was warm, but gorgeous with low humidity. I put together a couple of salads (caprese and green), some cheeses, soppresata and bresaolo and headed for waterfront. One of those nights where everyone seemed to come out- I was meeting 2 friends at concert, but our group expanded to about 2 dozen. Lovely night, and we sat around after concert for more than an hour, till it was total darkness. Lots of sharing and laughter, only needed Betsy to be perfect. Some wines were of course sampled:
2007 Chivite "Gran Fuedo" Rosado I've quite liked this in past, this vintage came across as a little bigger and sterner. Framboise flavors with moderate acidity, ok value at $9-10 (this used to be alovely light rosé for $5!). B/B-
NV Cleto Chiarli "Vigneto Enrico Cialdini" Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro I'm a fool for Lambrusco and cured meats. Blackberries and a little Concord grape, just a hint of sweetness, light froth. Ripe tannins, a nice bitter edge to the finish. B+
2006 Crossroads "Destination" Sauvignon Blanc Very SBish, gooseberry/catpee and a little hint of hot pepper. A bit short on finish, not much depth. B-
2006 Ch.Soucherie Rosé de Loire (producer- Soucherie/Tijou- is only in tiny print) Very fragile, gentle strawberry fruit in a lightweight package. A nice apertif B
2006 Cézin Coteaux du Loir Blanc Apple fruit with a little edge of clover honey. Light to midweight, not a lot of length, but clean and tasty. B-/B
Ruggeri Spago Prosecco A little residual sugar, bright apple fruit, not complex but certainly drinkable. B-
Fun night.
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.