Saturday picked up Betsy and the cello at LGA, a quick stop by the house then she went to hospital, got there just as mom was being readied for surgery. She came home for dinner while waiting for doctor to call
Oysters, lemon sole, green beans, Shanghai bok choy tips
2020 Fichet Meursault
Lemon, pear, a touch of honeysuckle. Good acids, clean finish. Good but not compelling (should just always spend a tad more for the lieudits). B/B+
Sunday she was at hospital all day, so I cooked again: za’atar chicken, rice,and kale
1999 Jadot Clos des Couchereaux Beaune 1er
Still a bit in shell at first, opens up with black raspberry fruit and smoke. Acidic backbone, still a bit of tannin, good finish. With air a little incense note. Fun. B+
We had cancelled our Memorial Day party but BIL came over for dinner and update on Betsy’s mom. I served a couple of wines intended for the party
Shrimp cocktails (to toast Cal’s grandson)
NV Roederer Estate
Apple, lemon, with a touch of Jolly Rancher. Nice Champagne ringer, but just a tad sweeter than I prefer B
Skirt steak (fish sauce/lime), corn, trumpet mushrooms, potato salad, broccoli
1996 Ch. Lagrange (St Julien)
This has been standing for several weeks, had been intended to cover someone else at a 1996 tasting, but then they had to miss it. Pretty classic St Julien profile- cassis, tobacco, a little lead pencil, smooth mouthfeel. Maybe a little more ready than some of the 1996 Medoc’s we had at Quality Meats a couple weeks ago. 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 the only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.