Over several nights, the 2007 Hart Cellars Oaked Chardonnay. This was one of several wines that Howie sent me as a surprise gift. Now, oak-aged Chardonnay is (with the exception of some white Burgundy) not something I drink a lot of. This did have a some of that tropical fruit meets buttered popcorn character. But I'm quite enjoying it, because (a) it had a much brighter acidic edge than most California Chardonnays (this was made from grapes from the Niagara Penisula), and (b) it had a lightest to the finish (not shortness!) that contrasts with the flaccid heaviness of so many American Chardonnays. The oak is apparent, but I enjoyed this as an apertif and a digestif. Bring on the cool climate Chard. B
With rack of lamb, sauteed mushrooms, lentils, and salad, the 2006 Ch. Teyssier (St Emilion). Flagrantly modern, big black plum fruit with some spice and vanilla. Decent length, a little bit of pencil lead to indicate Bordeaux rather than Cali Merlot. Is it my preferred style of St Emilion? No, but you can't buy Figeac or Magdelaine for $15 all in, and at price it's a decent buy. B-
With roast chicken, leftover mushroom, blackeyed pea and turnip greens, the 2008 Terres Dorees (JP Brun) Cote de Brouilly. Lesson #712 in how unreliable my snapshot notes might be. I thought this pleasant but no more upon opening. Medium bodied, red strawberry and cherry fruit, perfectly acceptable but no more. I love Brun but I had found the 2006 CdB similar, and thought to myself no need to rebuy this, plenty of better Beaujolais out there. Except....on retasting an hour or two later, I truly loved this wine. Deeper red fruit, notes of graphite and espresso, bright acidity, long mineral finish. Lovely midweight Gamay, long, lovely. B- to start, A-/B+ at 9 PM. Who me consistent?
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.