Figured seafood was good for night before turkey day, so on Wednesday we had roast branzino, brown rice, bok choy, and salad. With was the 2014 Raul Perez “Sketch” Albarino. Pear and lemon, ripe and full, well-balanced, I like, but not likely to often spend $50 on an Albarino. B+
So Thanksgiving came in cold. We were hosting, 12 altogether, ranging from 17 to 93. As people arrived, we had out charcuterie, Brussels sprouts ganoush, and toasts with pickled mushrooms and creme fraiche, another family brought fig with bacon and chile. Appetizer wine was a magnum of the NV Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc des Blancs Champagne (2011 base, July 2015 disgorgement). Bright acids, elegant bead, fresh apple pie and lemon tart. Acid overtakes fruit a bit at moment, but I like this despite the supposed weak base year. B+/B
Betsy made turkey (with anchovy/garlic rub), Brussels sprout/arugula salad, sweet potatoes with pickled onions, gravy, I made 2 kinds of dressing- oyster/mushroom and giblet/mushroom. Others brought mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, beets, cranberry relishes (straight and one with pomegranate), green beans, gluten free dressing and gravy, pies (pumpkin, GF pumpkin, and a 3 fruit-jam tricolor), and probably more stuff I forgot.
1993 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva (magnum)
I think 1993 is an under the radar vintage in Barolo, but my Barbaresco experience has been more mixed. But this (from 1.5 liter) showed great after about 4 hours in decanter. Black cherries, anise, and tar on nose, on palate this is midbodied and feminine. Good acids, supple tannin, long finish. A-/B+
1986 Ch. Meyney
Probably the wine I’ve drunk the most of in my life. I’ve thought recent bottles of this were pretty mature with mostly resolved tannin,but with this bottle there was still some rigidity to the tannins upon opening. But some time in decanter helped with that, and it was drinking quite nicely by serving time. Red and black currants, some tobacco and cedar notes, tobacco more prominent towards end of night. Such a dependable wine. B+
2017 Clos de la Roilette (Coudert) Fleurie
Best food match, raspberry joy juice, good ripeness but good acids. B+
2015 Jadot Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc (cooking wine)
Grande Ordinaire by another name is still pretty ordinary, apples and dullness. C+
Nice time with great group. Hope everyone else enjoyed the holiday!
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.