Wednesday night we crossed the river to have dinner with Dave's grandparents. I can't say that dinner with wife's ex-in-laws is the most comfortable situation for me, but they're nice people and we got along fine (as usual). Kikue is Japanese, and grew up in Hawaii, and made a nice meal of Dave's favorites: futomaki, hiyayakko tofu, a beef/pepper/tomato stirfry, and salad. They're not wine drinkers, but knowing that I am they served a red, the 2006 Estancia "Pinnacles" Pinot Noir. Black cherry fruit, a bit on the sweet/jammy side, just a hint of vanilla-y oak. Basically no perceptible tannins, soft acidity. Clearly a wine designed to not offend, and it doesn't. Wouldn't look for, but not hard to drink a glass. B-/C+
Thursday Betsy had a big day of rehearsals, I was again in charge of dinner. Decided on a duck breast salad. Realized we only had one fresh half (I'm a big eater), so supplemented with some smoked breast. We had corn on the cob on the side. Thought about a light chilled red for al fresco dining, but then thought maybe rosé as a good compromise that could handle the vinaigrette. Here's the 2006 Cantalupo "Il Mimo" (Colline Novaresi) Rosato. As previously noted, this is a bigger styled rosé with a deep cranberry-juice color (actually I've probably seen red Nebbiolos that were lighter). Big juicy cherry/strawberry fruit, some tannins, a firm acidity. The bulk helps it stand up to the rare duck. Some floral and tar notes. Good match, and a nice wine. I've been in a couple conversations where people felt this since this was bigger than earlier in decade it wasn't as good, I just find it different, and matches different food. B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. 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