(That's probably a very rude thing to say en Français, but whatever.)
It's been a busy late spring and early summer of hammering away more than full-time on two book manuscripts while also occupied with my latest non-ethanolic hobby, but we continue to enjoy the fruits of the vine, though without much notation.
Last night was the first thing I've had in a while that called out for a note: wanting some Pinot to go with salmon, I reached first for an older Porter Creek RRV Pinot, from 2013, but found it disjointed at first and unexciting even after half an hour, so I went back for the bottle I had really wanted to open, a Dom. Robert Groffier 2013 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Amoureuses." This wine has long been beyond my price range, but I picked up this and one other bottle of the 2013 a while ago at a much less stratospheric price (don't ask: I can't remember, only that it was relatively accessible), presumably because of the vintage. And while I wouldn't call it profound, it was delicious: aromatic, high-toned fruit, with more earth and underbrush than I expected, and terrific energy. I'll hold the other bottle a while, as this has room to do even more, I think.
While I'm here, a few other highlights of the last little while:
Arnaud Lambert 2023 Saumur Brézé Clos Mazurique. Really nice zippy Cab Franc with lots of character, on the edge between ripe and herbaceous, a little broad, but for $21, I'll go back for more.
Claire Hill 2023 Mourvèdre Del Barba Vineyard, Contra Costa County. No specific notes, but what I remember was: "thank god I bought six rather than three," and "I'll drink anything she makes." She's moving north, out of California, because she doesn't see being able to make the kind of wine she likes to drink there for very much longer, and wants to put down roots (so to speak, or maybe literally?) in Oregon while she still can.
Forlorn Hope 2011 Napa Valley Sémillon "Nacre." This was in the "probably over the hill" bin. It wasn't. Evolved, citrusy, waxy, rich, delicious.
Château Potensac 2016 Médoc. Accessible now but with a long life ahead of it. Juicy, structured, aromatic claret, and a bargain at the futures price of $27.