We had a quiet NYE, dinner at some nearby (walkable) friends' home. Nice menu- I made some pancetta crisps with cheese, pear, and thyme; the host made thick steaks, mushroom sauce, creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and a sauteed pear dessert. We also enjoyed cheeses, pates, and Scrabble.
We didn't even open the Champagne at midnight, but we did down a few Bordeaux from not-so-acclaimed vintages:
1997 Ch. Margaux (Margaux)
Good dark cassis fruit, a little spice, tobacco. Some floral and berry notes with time. Tannins are fine and resolving. This is a little lacking in concentration and length for a First, but does hold ones interest. I found quite good for the vintage, drinking well now. B+
1979 Domaine de Chevalier (Graves)
Fully matured, resolved tannins. I really liked this, but if you think "Low Acid" is a major superlative, you might not. Bright red plum and raspberry fruit, some tobacco and earth. A little bitter cocoa and earth with time. No hurry on this, but don't think it's getting better. I think I'm only one who preferred to rounder Margaux. B+/A-
1998 Doisy-Vedrines (Barsac)
A major disappointment. Sweet, ok acidity, but lacking in complexity. Seems a bit thin, short. This bottle was opened I think day before, but didn't seem to be oxidized, just dull. C+
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
