Trying to not add to AC load while heat wave stressed the grid, we did everything on the grill Thursday (not that standing by grill while 97 is that fun). Citrus salmon and burrata/grilled endive crostini.
2024 Zarate Albarino
Grapefruit, lime and seabreeze, tangy and fun. B+
2025 Bastide Blanche
Strawberries and Rainer cherry, interesting herby note (fennel pollen),fresh and long always a fave. B++
Cheeseburgers and salad
2022 G. Descombes Morgon
Fruity and forward, juicy, this is a little roper than my Beaujolais ideal but it is tasty. B
As July 4th was going to be 97F again, we told people we would try for our party on the 5th.
So Saturday we had oysters, seared toro with ponzu and scallions, pasta with sage butter, salad
2023 Vincent Chardonnay Berserker Tardive
Clean pear and Meyer lemon, deep flavors, fresh., B+
We were planning on going to fireworks but a whopper of a storm changed our minds
Sunday forecast was for thunderstorms, we cancelled our delayed big shindig, and just invited 4 couples that could fit in house without stressing the AC. We made steak, morcilla, hot dogs, clams, slaw with miso dressing, elotes, and watermelon. Others brought gazpacho, shrimp, spicy noodles, zucchini/pasta salad, guacamole, kale salad, and pork sausage with Vidalia onion. Wouldn’t you know, didn’t rain until late.
I was going all-American, but allowed a French Burg in honor of Lafayette.
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NV Roederer Estate
Sweet apple., toast, solid sparkler on the higher dosage side. B
2023 Goodfellow Richard’s Cuvee Whiistling Ridge Chardonnay
A bit reduced, but a lovely wine in waiting. Pear, a hint of hazelnut, bright and stylish. B+
1984 Beringers Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Black plum and black cherry, a little coffee, on ripe side without being OTT, decent finish, could use a little more complexity. B
2020 Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet
Ripe and ready, fleshier style of white Burg, pear, hazelnut, and a little matchstick. Drink now (with pleasure). B/B+
2008 Ridge Geyserville
This is 14.8 but seems even hotter, roasted plums and blackberries, coffee, a little bitter on the end. C+/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.