Betsy's back, Betsy's back! And back in kitchen. She felt like red meat,and had little time, so turned to an old favorite- steak on a watercress/parsley salad with a horseradish/mustard dressing. A rather assertive dish that needs a fairly bold red. I chose the 1999 Havens Bourriquot (Napa), a Cab Franc/Merlot blend. Some vanilla, a hint of horse (brett?), flowers and red fruit on nose. On palate it shows darker fruit, ripe but balanced. with a bit of spice and black olive. Nice texture. Easy to drink, a bit of tannin remaining, holds well through evening. The light brett note blows off (was never enough to bother me), there is some mushroom/forest floor accenting the black plum fruit. Once again I like this wine. B+
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.