A family dinner while Dana was in town, went over to sister-in-laws where Cal made Ottolenghi beef/lamb meatballs with favas, a cauliflower/nut salad, and rice. The 2021 Barou “Autre Monde” St Joseph was very primary and simple, grapey black fruit and some tough tannins. Of course afterwards I saw note to myself not to open for at least 5 years. For now B-/C+.
On a lovely Saturday on the patio, Betsy and I had oysters, grilled ostrich steaks, potato salad, & green salad. Wine was the 2005 Haut Bergey (Pessac-Leognan)- I liked the ostrich more than the Graves. Some good black plum fruit, but at 18 still showing some burnt coffee charred oak notes. Also a little clipped and hard. Maybe just a phase, but not too hopeful. C+/B-
Dana’s last night in town, we had oysters, scallops, green garlic puttanesca, & salad
2020 Fichet Bourgogne Cotes d’Or Vieilles Vignes is quite a solid white Burgundy, Rich white fruit, pear blossom, some hazelnut. Ripe but plenty of acids. 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.