Tuesday I was taking some college kids to the city,so limited myself to a half a glass with dinner. Betsy had rehearsals all day and made a slowcooker version of cassoulet. Went looking for a half bottle, closest in spirit was the 2004 "Le Galantin" Bandol. Slightly reductive, a hint of rubber. Plum and prune fruit, a touch of manure. Some tannins, but not as much as some Bandols. Doesn't really grab me, but ok. Retasted at 1 AM and again following evening. The rubber goes away. Solid but not exciting, there's still close half of the 375 left. B-
Wednesday a generous friend took myself, Betsy, and another friend to dinner at The Modern (in MOMA). A fine meal- beautifully paced, attentive service, inventive and intriguing food well executed. We were by the window, with great view of the snow covered sculpture garden (with the Henry Moores, Rodins, Matisses, Calders, etc!). With had a four course prix fixe - I had chicken/foie gras veloute, dorade, and stuffed rabbit loin; Betsy courses of mackerel , sable with edamame and vegetables, and a riff on pot au feu. Everything was tasty and well done, and supplemented by some great amuse bouche/lagniappes (my fave was a cucumber panna cotta with salmon "soup", Betsy was a dessert one with gelato and candied cilantro).
I was put in my least favorite position, ordering the wine while someone else pays. Left to my own devices, I would have gone for some of the interesting whites that were own list. But host prefers red, so I was looking for some something with good acidity for the varied tastes ahead. I considered some funkier things like a Slovenian Refosco or a Zweigelt, but for our Francophilic host I went with the 2006 Charles Joguet "Cuvée Terroir" Chinon. I think everyone was rather pleased. A hint of freshly stepped on cow patty, but it is an accent that fades with air. No real green notes here, fleshy red fruits backed by good acids. Light tannins, good length. This is a Chinon which could please passionate Loireheads and skeptics who fear greenness all at once. Mineral and a tiny hint of herbs on the long finish. Not the ultimate in complexity, but very satisfying for a dinner wine. B++
Thanks to Charles for a great evening.
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.