With ham, Swiss chard, and rice, the 2017 Koehler-Ruprecht Pinot Noir Kabin ett Trocken Rose. Good acid, tart red fruit, but a little short on finish. B-
We went to Rob’s in Irvington for local wine group. He served Sausa ges, clams, cheese, and more, theme was white or rose from US or France (si nce between 4th and Bastille Day). Nice night on deck, marred only by one g uy’s new Volvo hybrid computer freaking out, leaving it blocking se veral driveways before getting towed.
2017? Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizantte This was actually pretty fun, light fizz, red currant flavors, hint of swee tness. B2006 Henriot Brut Champagne To toast Les Bleus run. Full and creamy but with an acid backbone and fine mousse, , apple, pear, and orange zest, biscuit dough. B+/A-
White #1 -I guessed warm vintage Macon. Apple and pear, no apparent oak, mo dest finish, ok acids. Others liked more. 2016 Channing Daughters Scuttleho le Chardonnay B-
White #2 I got Loire quickly, but my first guess was one of the bigger/ripe r melons like Clisson. Once he said no I guessed Pouilly-Fume, close but no cigar. Really nice, no grass, nice citrus fruit, nice chalky mineral finis h. 2016 Pelle “Morogues” Menetou-Salon B++
Rose #1 I blew this one, said Provence but “it’s not Bandol ” Modest acids, red plum fruit, others liked more than I did. 2016 Pradeaux Bandol B-
Rose # 2 Knowing me, folks got this quickly. Nice vintage, cherry and red a pple, orange zest, fine finish.
2017 Edmunds St. John Bone Jolly Rose B++Rose #3 We were told this after 2016 opened. I thought much livelier and lo velier,
2017 Pradeaux Bandol B+Rose #4 - well, yuck. I didn’t guess this was aged, just sucky. Low acid, overripe red plum, sweet, short. When Rob said Loire I got Rose d? ??Anjou. 2013 Bouquet Rose d’Anjou, C
Saturday I took lunch (scallop crudo and takeout Vietnamese -summer rolls, pork and tofu noodle salads) to some post surgical friends, they served the 2017 Riotor rose, dependable as ever. B
That night porgy, grilled scallions, salad, rice and the 2014 Do Ferreiro A lbarino (Rías Baixas). I usually am a big fan of this bottling, but th is had a weird lactic thing going on, that persisted next day. C+/B-
Sunday back to Sleepy Hollow for brunch with the World Cup finals. Bagels, salmons, cream cheese, whitefish salad, charcuterie, first great tomatoes o f the year, and more. Wines were French of course
NV Gosset Grande Reserve Champagne Don’t know when this was released, but this was heavy and overmatur e. C+/B-
1989 Vieux Chateau Certan Lovely showing, high acid but with a lush texture. Black plum and cherries, leather, herbs. Long finish. I confess I was surprised at showing as I tho ught Mark had said DDC rather than VCC, when I saw bottle it made more sens e. A-That night local pork chop, grilled squash and trumpet mushrooms, with the
2014 Decima Mencia (Ribeira Sacra). Crunchy black raspberry, spice, a hint of mocha. Floral, bright, and fun. 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 p arty where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivi ty, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.