Last night Betsy made "grownup macaroni and cheese" (gruyere, bacon, cheddar, gorgonzola) and a braised chard with cannelloni beans. Latter was a Tuscan recipe, so I opened a Tuscan wine, the 2005 I Greppi Bolgheri Greppicante. 60% CS, 30% Merlot, 10% CF. Midweight, modern. Black plum and cassis fruit, obvious but not overpowering toasty oak, a bit of earth on finish. More tannins than the 2004 we tasted Friday exhibited. Acidity is reasonably balanced. Can't say this screams Tuscany, but a pleasant if international wine. B+/B
Good value at $13.50
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.