Betsy's first day back at work for an abbreviated season, my turn to cook. Venison chops with a red wine jelly (only slightly sweet), tomato/arugula relish, corn, squash, and bok choy salad. Wine was the 1995 Graillot " La Guiraude" Crozes-Hermitage (thanks for matching advice all). Brawny for Crozes, big sweet dark fruit with a lot of leather and smoke. The blackberry and black plum fruit has the slightest hint of prune to it, not sure if that is wine or possibly a sign on some warm storage (I bought this on secondary market). Despite the ripe edge to the fruit there's plenty of acidity keeping this lively. Tannins seem resolved. Some classic Northern Rhone aromas of grilled meats and olives, but also some Baroloesque tar. If not for that slight pruney note this would be outstanding. 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.