Betsy had a discussion about Shabbat prayers with some friends last week, we discussed getting together. Somehow an email got lost, but luckily we discovered at 5 PM Friday we were expected for dinner. Betsy stopped her food prep, we headed to dinner. Started with a glass of white on the porch. Trying not to be geeky, I didn't ask what it was. A bit oxidative, I'm guessing tired Chardonnay. A fresher bottle of the 2005 Domaine Bourdon Macon-Villages was opened with the meal (very nice- challah, gefilte fish, chicken, beets, kasha varnishkes , and salad). Apple/pear fruit, a light nutty note even in the fresh bottle, not very long, doesn't hold much interest, but we certainly enjoy the evening. B-/C+
Saturday tropical storm Hanna gave us lots of rain, and Betsy made the dish she had planned for Friday. A "Mexican lasagna" (tortillas, chicken, salsa verde, cheese) - just a little heat from a couple Serranos and an aqito, plus some acidic bite from the tomatillos. Dave was with us, and we opened 2 wines (probably beer would be best with this, but both did ok- not that hot a dish):
2007 van Volxem Saar Riesling
Peach and nectarine, some clementine, touch of smoke, mineral finish. This is just slightly off-dry, think halbtrocken, good length and concentration for QbA. I notice it says "Mosel" on side of label, I guess the MSR is no more as a designation (knew it was coming, not when). Tonight it's more apple and citrus, but just as nice. Will get more. B+
2006 Guion "Cuvee Domaine" Bourgueil
I think that was 8 bucks and change on sale. Great deal. Nice red fruit accented with a little Cab Franc herbiness, a little tobacco leaf too. Light tannins, lively but not harsh acidity, nice finish for the level. Nice lighter styled food red. 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.
