Betsy had late rehearsal, with me in charge of dinner we ended up with an herb filled branzino, a few scallops (not very big fish), and squash on the grill, plus some leftover pasta. Wine was the 2007 Sartarelli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. White peaches and green plum, a little nutty note, moderate acidity, fine but not at all exciting. B-
Another rehearsal Friday, but before she went in she made a salad to take to a friend home from the hospital, and actually made a double recipe to take care of our dinner. With a soba/chicken/Chinese broccoli salad, the 2007 JJ Christoffel Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese. A bit of red fruit on top of the usual Orange Creamsicle body, a little floral note, spice, good length, nice wine. B/B+
With marinated skirt steak, grillled fava beans, grilled eggplant, and some green beans, the 2007 Gonon "Les Iles Feray" (VdP de l'Ardeche). At first sniff this seems very bretty to me, but whatever that was blows off quickly. What's left behind? Blackberries, smoke, a bit of gamey meat. Medium- bodied, good acids, light tannins. Good length on finish. Will get more of this, challenges the Ogier La Rosine for best wine from outside name areas award. B++
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. 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.