Betsy left for California Monday morning, that evening I cowered in the air conditioning and sipped the 2005 Leitz Dragonstone QbA. Others seem to be less enthused re this vintage, but once again, this is emerging as a favorite value for me - peachy sweetness balanced by clear acids, green apple and white peach fruit overlaid with herbs and a little mineral. Nice little wine that could pass for a decent Spätlese. B+
The following night, I took some kids from upstate on a Midnight Run before dropping them at the church in the city where they were staying. As I headed up the West Side Highway, a southbound Jeep came flying (literally) over the median and smashed into the back of the Excursion I was driving. I spun either 900° or 1260°. Miraculously, I wasn't really hurt (folks in other car were, but not as bad as it could have been). The real miracle was those kids weren't in the Excursion at time. When I eventually made it home , for once I thought I actually NEEDED a drink. So now the Dragonstone seemed more complex, with rich mineral notes and serious depth. It might have been the time open that improved it further, but my guess it was my mood! As a post major accident quaff, the Dragonstone gets a solid A.
Last night the heat had broken and it was a lovely night for a picnic at the jazz concert in the Dobbs Ferry park. A nice group of friends and friends of friends,; I brought paté and cheeses, others brought gaucomole, sausages, fruit, and assorted salads. Lucy the Basset had a good time with a marrow bone and her dachshund friend Burger- they both tolerated endless little kids wanting to pet them. Various wines were circulating, including:
2004 Hiedler "Löss" Grüner Veltliner
Lovely light-bodied GV. Lemon and apple fruit sprinkled with white pepper, a bit of chalky mineral on the finish. Excellent value at about $12, looking forward to the 2005. B+
2004 Passavant Rosé de Loire
I love rosé in the summer. But not all rosé. I like light, but not dilute. I like red fruit, but not canned cherries. I like a clean finish, not a short empty one. This I do not like. C
Fun night with friends.
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.