Ok, so holidays were over, Betsy and David were still in California, a hard day at work- probably a quiet night with the Basset hound was in order. But I was feeling social (read: lonely without Betsy) and decided to invite some friends over. A couple of answering machine messages later, I finally found some friends at home, and we made a plan. I decided to just stick with what I had at home, a real informal dinner, except for a quick stop for shrimp. But at 6 pm the folks who I had left messages for called, and said they'd love to come. Oops. A trip to the basement for table leaves, then a quick look in the freezer produced some more meat, and I filled the freezer space with a bottle of Franciacorta to chill. And then promptly forgot it. So when the guests arrived everyone got a taste of the already chilled (though not frozen, just fridge time for this one) NV Gruet Blanc de Noir Brut. Yep, bubbly from New Mexico. I really think this is a winner at $10, though. Creamy texture, a little strawberry note mixing with the mostly apple fruit, simple but pleasing. B/B+
After the bubbly, as we finished the appetizers, passed around a bottle of 2002 JP Brun Les Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc- the label says Chardonnay, one guest exclaimed it didn't taste like Chardonnay. I said yes it did taste like Chardonnay, just not oaked Chardonnay. Just clean apple and pear fruit, with a distinct chalk note, nicely balanced. Very tasty.B+
For main course there was a mixed grill of sirloin and 3 types of sausage, accompanied by some egg noodles with butter and truffle oil, roasted peppers, and 2 tossed salads (I could probably use some work on my coordination when folks want to bring stuff). A bottle of 2000 Fugue de Nénin (Pomerol) showed quite well. Lush and full, rich blackcherry and plum fruit with a nice hint of cocoa. Really very nice, and more forward/drinkable than most 2000s I've had. B+/A- The 1999 Onyx Shiraz Groenekloof (West Coast, South Africa) from Darling Cellars was also on the fat/lush side. The fruit showed somewhat simply as a blackberry jam style at first, but some air brought out some interesting Rhone-ish nuances of smoke, black olives, and game. B/B+
Good night with nice friends. But glad Betsy's home tonight!
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre at best. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Dale
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