Sunday Betsy made a shrimp and pea risotto, I opened the 2006 Thomas-Labaille "Les Monts Damnes" Sancerre (Chavignol). I had been in the minority of not being thrilled with the '05 version of this, so kept my expectations in check. A couple of sips and I let go the reins- very nice SB. Bright lively grapefruit balanced by ripe green apple, just a hint of grass, and a light flinty note. Fuller style of Sancerre, big but still quite elegant. This is what I hoped the 2005 would be (and others seemed to find). Nice wine, B+/A-
Tonight went to a nice buffet dinner at a friend's home. I didn't really drink, as I was to be driving to city, but did have small tastes of:
2006 Finnegan's Lake "Fin." Chardonnay (California)
Competent if unexciting Chard, just a hint of oak, at least some discernible acidity. B-
2006 Stringtown Pinot Noir (Willamette)
Very ripe PN, but with an herbal streak. Not especially attractive. B-
2004 Ruca Malen Malbec
I'm not usually a big Malbec guy, but liked this. Big, ripe, but fruit balanced by both acidity and tannins. B/B+
A Christmas party for the homeless on the streets, and then home at 3. A glass of the Sancerre is just rocking, but I decide bed is more attractive than finishing glass. Goodnight, and Merry Christmas!
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