Tues I flew to Atlanta, Betsy and Lucy the hound joined me at my parents (Betsy had driven via NC, where she had trio rehearsals) that evening. No wine that night, but last night my brother came over for dad's beef tenderloin, with stuffed potatoes, salad and asparagus.
My sister in law likes big Chardonnay, so I had put the 2006 Hartford Court "Stone Cote" Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) in Betsy's car. This is one big white (you could drink with steak), with Anjou pear and tropical fruit flavors, lots of oak, good dose of butter. I can appreciate the skill, but not a style that does much for me. But a glass as an apertif was interesting. B- for me as an apertif, probably would be a C as a dinner accompaniment, A- if you are looking for that style.
My dinner wine was the 2006 Qupe Syrah (Central Coast), picked up for $19 at Harry's in Alpharetta. Quite a pleasant light to medium bodied Syrah, fresh red fruit with some black pepper and a hint of grilled meats. Good acidity, light tannins, not especially long but for under $20 in an overpriced market I was pretty happy. I was a little surprised my brother also liked, as I think of him liking real bruisers. B+/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.