Wednesday we had salmon and quinoa; as I was driving later into city to take a group of CUNY med students around, I only had a couple of sips with dinner. Leftover Laurent CdNV was pleasant and holding nicely, I also tried an ounce or two of the 2000 Domaine Emilian Gillet "Quintaine" Macon-Villages that Betsy had opened the previous night for cooking. Superripe tropical nose, but dear god is this awful with the salmon. I tried again on Thursday, better by itself, still lively on day 3, with sweet mango and floral elements, unidentifiable to me as Chardonnay, but interesting. B-
Betsy mentioned Wed that she was sad she didn't have time to make brisket (we usually observe the first night of Passover recipe wise if not ceremonially). So when it was my turn to cook Thursday, I picked up a brisket (and some gelfite fish, and matzo ball mix). I wanted a little sweetness in the sauce, so added some Tokaji with the onions, carrots, etc. I wanted a wine with a bit of sweetness to counter, and went with the 2005 Andrew's Vat "Alder Ridge " Syrah (Columbia Valley). This is a Zachys "exclusive" that I got as part of a blowout recently. Blackberries and black cherries, a little vanilla, some dark chocolate. Low acids, moderate ripe tannins, big sweet fruit. Not a style I'm enamored of, but a decent well-made 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.