Sunday I went to a small political/social gathering at a friend's home, and carried along a bottle of 2001 L. Crochet “La Chêne” Sancerre. Medium-crisp with white fruit and grapefruit, also a light overlay of herbs. Good finish, with a touch of flinty minerality. B+
They were serving from a magnum of the 2001 Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft round red fruit with a hint of vanilla. Inoffensive, with no real Cabernet character. Soulless, but technically flawless and probably perfect for its market. B-/C+
Afterwards had to make a quick trip over the river, then came home and had sausage and peppers over pasta. The 2002 Kaesler Stonehorse GSM was ripe, round, oaky, with a load of red (raspberry and cherry) fruit. A little earthiness, and a touch of coconut (?). Except for the coconut, might mistake for a modern Rhone (CdP or better CdR) from a ripe vintage. Good deal at $12.99. B/B+
Betsy had spent the week in NC doing some concerts, and finally made it in Monday after a scary drive on icy roads Sunday night and oft-delayed/canceled flights Monday. She still managed to cook a delicious dinner, a beef stew with prunes and apricots accompanied by spinach. The 2001 Renjarde Côtes du Rhône Villages was lush, a little too ripe for my tastes. Decent finish with some grilled meat notes. B
Waiting for the snow last night, we had a dish of chicken legs in a cream sauce with shiitakes and creminis, and the 2002 Paulinshof Riesling Halbtrocken Qba (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer). Good crisp acidity, ripe apple fruit. But short finish leaves one a little disappointed. Not bad QPR at $8ish, but not buying more. B/B-
My usual disclaimer: I'm a pretty easy grader, basically A is a very good 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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