Things are pretty weird out there. At least after 9/11 and Sandy we had big dinner parties where we shared our fears, anger, hurt, and uncertainty.
Friday I was actually by myself, with some leftover sushi from Betsy?s lunch and some corned beef and cabbage. I was thinking of Riesling but ended up with the 2014 Kofererhof Gewurztraminer (Valle Isarco). Medium acids, wax, bitter orange pith, citrus and mild lychee nut , with an oily texture. Good and quite different from say Alsace, not such a great match though. B
Saturday the Irvington market was transferred to an outside lot in Hastings. Limited vendors, long lines (even longer as we gave each other space). I got shad roe and arctic char from the fishmonger for Betsy, Dana, and I, Betsy made mujaddara with spinach.
1997 Foreau/Naudin Demi-Sec Vouvray I?ve liked the ?97 Foreau Mouelleux, and demi-sec is maybe my favorite style of Vouvray, so high hopes. A bit -maybe more than a bit- disappointed- very rich, thick texture, ripe tropical fruit, some wool. More like a dessert wine than a demi-sec, with lots of botrytis. And seems advanced, though it didn?t advance further. Ok with the shad roe, match is better than the wine (poignant note- I googled ?shad roe wine match? at one of top hits was an eGullet thread from 2003. Where SFJoe in NYC suggested middle-aged Huet, which is why I went Vouvray). B-/C+2013 Coudert/Roilette Cuvee Tardive Fleurie Still young, but not shut down. Black cherry and raspberry, herby, a bit of smoke. Some tannin, good acids, good length. Will get better I bet. B+
Sunday I went to our local butcher at opening hour, to find a sold out sign on door. No pork chops for me! Supermarket had lots of empty space in meat case, but I got some beef round, and made a beef stew with cognac, mustard (lots), and mushrooms. Served over egg noodles with salad on the side.
2012 Calluna CVC (Chalk Hill, Sonoma) At 14.2 this is pushing it for my tastes,but not shoving it, and more importantly Betsy really likes. Black plum, plush texture, a hint of tobacco and mushroom. Medium tannins, medium acids, nice clean finish. 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 party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.