Yesterday attended a wedding at a gorgeous lakeside property north of here. Beautiful perfect day, you couldn't have asked for better weather. A reception followed. They had catered the main courses (salmon and stuffed chicken breast), most of the appetizers and sides were brought by guests (I carried a platter of white and green asparagus, beets, haricots verts, and carrots with a vinaigrette- looked good, seemed to win fans). I steeled myself for wine disappointment, as neither of the brides (this was a groomless affair) drink, but spotted an Anglelus label as I neared bar, and perked up! Turns out one adult son has an interest in wine, so all 6 wines were worth tasting:
2007 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc (I'm pretty sure Marlborough)
My favorite of the whites, citrus and gooseberry with a bright finish. Good acidity, balance, and a little chalky note on end. B+
2005 Chateau de Mercey Hautes Cotes de Beaune
My least favorite of the wines. A bit flat/blowsy, though it does have decent apple and peach fruit. C+
2005 Ch. de Mercey Mercurey (blanc)
Bright and forward, lemony, a little nutty oak and spice. Not especially long, but pleasant.B
2006 Cloudline Pinot Noir (Willamette)
Soft black plum and cherry fruit, lighter styled, tasty. A bit of vanilla and smoke. Soft tannins, easy to quaff, better than most wedding wines! B
2006 JL Chave ''Mon Coeur'' Cotes du Rhone 2006
My favorite of the day. Plush fruit, good structure, nice length. Lots of peppery spice overlying the blackberry fruit. I liked this better than I expected, as it wasn't as Grenache-y as some vintages. Drinks like mostly Syrah. B++
2002 Ch. Angelus (St Emilion)
Most impressive label on table, but not drinking as well right now as the Chave. Good black plum fruit, some vanilla, cedar, earth. But tannins are sticking out right now, this needs time. Better with food. A B for now, though it might do better if the fruit can last through the tannins.
There was also a Champagne for a toast, I didn't see label but it didn't make much of an impression. In any case, I was pretty happy to try each wine, I'm so used to wedding wines being Woodbridge or Beringers Founders or the like. I wasn't driving so enjoyed trying them all. Mostly I enjoyed being with friends on a gorgeous day celebrating love.
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.
