With grilled chicken, ginger rice, and salad, the 2016 Navarro “ l'Anciene” Pinot Noir (unfiltered). Black raspberry, some spice, decent acids, not so long. B/B-
With salmon with herbs, bok choy, and soba, the 2016 Domaine de la Pirolette Saint Amour.
New producer to me, but label indicates its the Barbet family, so high expectations, and they are met. Beautiful and classic Beaujolais, black cherries, flowers, some light mocha. Accessible but structured, bright acids, fine tannins. A-/B+
Saturday I had some poke (no wine) in NYC before going to Betsy’s concert. Great concert (Ursula Oppens’s 75th birthday celebration). Reception/birthday party after, I had a plastic glass of “Cava 67” bubbly- a touch sweet, appley, simple. C+/C
So not much of a wine night, but I saw a great concert, met Kathleen Battle, and had fun with friends.
Some friends joined us for Superbowl. Game, halftime, and commercials were weak, but food was strong.
Deviled eggs, green goddess dressing with crudites
NV Camille Saves Rose Champagne
My next to last bottle of a cheap grey market case, stunning QPR. Rainier cherry and strawberry, warm brioche, saline finish. Elegant mousse, excellent length. A-
Korean shrimp cocktail
2015 Pepiere Les Gras Moutons Muscadet
Chosen as an anti-Patriot statement. Quite gras for Muscadet, but with a backbone, not my favorite vintage but good. B
2017 Navarro Dry Gewurztraminer
Peach and lychee, just a touch of swetness, modest acids. B
Galbijan (short rib stew with veggies and rice cakes)Chinese broccoli
1989 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon
Alive, but not very good. Red and black fruit, asphalt and ashtray, clipped finish. This was basically free as part of a mixed lot where I wanted something else. C/C+
2001 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone)
Nice baby CdP. Redder fruit, some funk, smoke and spice. Drinking very well right now. B+/B
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.