Betsy called me Friday and announced if she was making latkes for Chanakuh, might as well invite some friends. Some we rounded up some folks (mostly goyim, but enough of us with Jewish ex-spouses to ensure Betsy didn't have to sing alone through the candle lighting). First wine up was the 2002 Verget Bourgogne-Chitry. Based on previous experiences with Verget wines, I expected a pretty good dose of oak. But no- a nice clean Chardonnay nose, a little mineral; in the mouth apple and grapefruit flavors with a flinty note on the finish. Quite nice for a $10 white B/B+
With the brisket, a few reds:
1998 JL Colombo "Bartavelles" Châteauneuf-du-Pape - somewhat thin red fruit, a little earth, short finish. Is this closed, damaged, or just a poor wine? Surprising for vintage. C+
1999 Cline California Zinfandel - red berry fruit , vanilla. Smooth and easy, drink up. B/B+
2001 Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel. Very ripe raspberry fruit, round and soft, better than last bottle. B
Also over a couple of days had the 2000 Marquis de Calon. Nicely priced (something like $12 at Zachy's), but really not showing much at moment. There's definitely some fruit underneath there, and surprising (to me)tannins for a $12 second wine. But no real drinking pleasure now, might be worth revisiting in a few years. B? 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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