Saturday Betsy was in city for showcase, we had some close friends over for dinner. I was chef, and chef's prep wine was the 2007 Terres Dorees (JP Brun) "Brun d'Folie" Beaujolais rosé. Pretty, though maybe a bit austere for rosé, raspberry and a little cherry, moderate acidity. Tasty, not quite as lively as I expected. B
We started with a lobster/fennel/orange salad, with the NV Charles Ellner Brut Rosé Champagne. Lighter than I remembered, strawberry and cherry fruit. a bit of orange zest. Quite bright, but a bit short on finish. Pleasant. B
Main course were dry-aged steaks (these are from Stew Leonards, I had liked before, but while these had the texture of dry-aged they didn't show it much from flavor standpoint), with grilled squash, sauteed mushrooms, and leftover red cabbage (good friends, ok to serve leftovers). Wine was the 2002 Ch. Lagrange (St. Julien). This had a couple hours before dinner to loosen up a bit. Good rich cassis and dark berry fruit, some distinct espresso overtones, a little vanilla, good length, ripe tannins. Nice midweight but masculine Bordeaux that could use a few more years, but pretty tasty with rare meat right now. A great buy at about $23 on release, wish I have bought more, down to 3. B+/A-
A good night to be with good friends.
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.