Saturday my friends's semi-underground supper club was at Shadowbrook, the old Stan Getz estate in the next town. I hadn't been there in several years, but lovely as ever.
While folks arrived and circulated, we tried ttoasts with tapenade, plus excellent shotglasses of an herbed goat cheese mousse with breadstick (they gave out little demitasse spoons for when the breadstick ran out), along with the 2008 St. Hilaire (Blanquette de limoux). Appley, much better than awful bottle I had last year (probably cooked), simple but inoffensive. B-/C+
Theme was Provence, we moved into the music room to talbes, and the first course, a cold terrine, a riff on ratatouille. Wine was the 2008 Gaussen (Vin de pays du Mont-Caume). Fred said this was from Bandol, but with less than the requisite 50% Mourvedre. I liked, a meaty/animal edge to the red fruit. B
Main course was bouillabaisse. with the 2010 Domaine Ste Lucie "MiP" Cotes de Provence rose. Lightbodied, sweet strawberry fruit, clean if not complex. B-
There was also a 2006 Clos St Magdeleine Cassis. Broad, oily, reminds of a Southern Rhone white, it does have pretty decent acidity. B
Dessert for those that indulge was a Provencal lemon tart, fun evening with good friends, good jazz, great setting.
Sunday was also gorgeous, grilled some chicken breast I had marinated in tomato and cilantro, some storebought polenta, and shiitakes, also had some brocollini and the 2010 Ch. Peyrassol rose I've had several vintages of the Commanderie, but this is first time I've tried the chateau bottling. Light color, seemingly light body, but sense of structure and a very long finish. Raspberries, wild strawberries, a saline/mineral edge underneath. On expensive side for rose, but worth it to me. B++
With a red only friend, the 2009 Breton "Trinch!" Bourgueil. Solid black cherry fruit, spice, a little CF leafiness. Good, if a tad less exuberant than a bottle a few months ago. B
For meatless Monday Betsy made pasta with mustard greens, spinach, and feta, along with a brocolli/walnut salad. Wine was the 2009 Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon #2 (Touraine). This was a recent purchase from a very reputable store, but I think this saw some warmth at some point. Seems like a riper vintage to start, but there is a light oxidative hint, and a cidery edge to the fruit. This bottle C+/C, but I think just an off bottle.
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.
