Lobster/soba stirfry, with Shanghai bok choy tips in oyster sauce.
2015 Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve
Ok I can’t say I had high hopes, but I had a little hope- I remember liking a Mondavi Reserve many years ago. Hopes dashed. 14.5, seems higher. Movie theater popcorn butter,tropical fruit. Big and ungainly. C+/C
Bolognese
1999 Poggio Antico “Altero” Brunello di Montalcino
Brawnier style of BdM, still some substantial tannins, black cherry edging a bit towards cough syrup. But it actually improves with air, the syrup edge seems to recede leaving fresher black cherry and a bit of saddle leather. Still burlier than I want my Sangiovese (tannin wise, 13.5 abv. Isn’t extreme).. B- became B
First glass of wine on the porch of the season, with olives and nuts
2024 Pazo Das Bruxas Albarino
Grapefruit, green apple, a hint of mown grass. Not very complex but refreshing. B-/B
Cumin pork chops and zucchini on the grill, lemon/mint potato salad, ginger/mint/lime cucumber salad, green salad
2024 Arnot Roberts Rose
Cherry and strawberry, a light saline edge, peppery/spicy finish. Maybe a little round, but good rose. B/B+
Oysters, halibut cheeks with garlic and thyme, Shanghai bok choy tips, leftover potato salad
2023 Servin Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er
Classic and classy, deep pear and citrus with spring flowers and a long chalky mineral finish. Bright, deep, and complex. Can age but delicious now, A-
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 the only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.