Last night had a friend over, as his wife was out of town for a funeral and he had just dropped off his kid for 1st day of boarding school. We traded kid stories/gripes, enjoyed a cool night, and watched the dogs play.
With hummus and crudite followed by a shrimp/corn/tomato salad, the NV Foreau Vouvray Brut. Bigger style of bubbly, just a light fizz, big baked apple and some grapefruit, good length, gets better with air. This is last from a few (Lot 2011) that I got a year or two ago, a little bottle age has this showing a little nuttier/richer than previous bottle. B+
With grilled double rib lamb chops, squash, and potatoes, a pair of reds:
2005 Ch. Peyredoulle (Cotes de Blaye)
Just a hint of tannins, some acidity, moderate fruit. Black plums, not a lot here, but ok for the under $10 tag. B-
2003 Ch. Deyrem-Valentin (Margaux)
Some trepidation opening this, not huge fan of '03 in Southern Medoc. Not so bad. Big crushed berry nose, dark berry fruit, modest tannins, a little espresso. This is running a bit of the fat side, but doesn't fall into the flabby category. More acid and more depth would be welcome, but ok for cheap Margaux. Ron is more of a New World guy and liked more than I. B/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.