Since we had extra leaf in table, we thought we'd invite friends for Friday dinner. But first couple we called turned the tables and convinced us to j oin them. Lovely evening, so we walked over the hill and had a nice dinner on their deck. Started with baba ganoush and grape tomatoes stuffed with p esto. Starter was the NV Durnberg Sparkling rose (he said Australian when h e handed me glass, but Austrian). Hint of sweetness, light and soft. B-/C+
Dinner was grilled tuna, couscous/arugula salad, Betsy's bok choy, Ron's bo k choy, and a grain salad:
2012 Veyder-Malberg " Hochrain" Gruner Veltliner New producer to me, but will keep on my radar, serious GV here. Ripe peach, peas, pepper. Classic, minerally and long. A-2004 Hermitage Bandol A little rubbery at first, black fruits,big, some tannin. B-
On Saturday we were more successful at getting 2 couples over. Started with some snacks and the 2002 Delamotte Blanc de Blanc Champagne. Green apple, firm pear, stones. B/B+
First sitdown course was some local grilled mackerel (saba shioyaki) style) and grilled ramps
1991 Stony Hill Chardonnay Softer, but not really oxidative, broad pear and apple fruit, some apple bl ossoms. Not profound but nice ripe mature CalChard. B2009 Rebholz "Muschelkalk" Weissburgunder Trocken 'S' Vague sweetness, really ripe pear, light chalky note. Gets sweeter. B-
Dinner was chicken paprikash, whole wheat noodles, carrots, and salad
1979 Produttori del Barbaresco Tight, tart, and funky when opened, but luckily gave couple hours air. By t hen cherry, black cherry, forest floor, tar. Better and better throughout n ight, great showing by end. B+/A-1994 Pichon Lalande More 1994 than Pichon Lalande. Still some rather hard/raspy tannins. Black currant, tobacco leaf, stern. B-
2009 Copain "Baker Ranch" Syrah No air time. Meaty note on nose, big black fruit with coffee and soil notes . Fresh and long. A-Sunday just us, grilled pork chops, squash, broccoli rabe, tabbouleh, and t he 2014 Baudry Chinon rose. Still holding well - cherries and strawberry wi th some herby notes, look forward to the '15. B+/B . 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 p arty where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivi ty, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.