Some good friends came for dinner last night (and a poodle for Lucy to play with). One had a gig and was late, but we just saved a plate and some wine. We had a chicken/barley/garbanzo tagine, a hefty salad, and plenty of wine.
2008 Nora "Peitan" Albarino
This really seemed harsh and acidic on opening. I really found close to undrinkable- lemon pledge aromas and not much else. Quite unlike previous experiences, I put in fridge and then revisited tonight. Much more what I remembered- white pit fruits with a little lemon, good but not searing acidity. Strange contrast. Something I ate, something in glass? I have to believe it was me or an external factor. C- Sat night, B tonight
NV Pinot Brut Rose (Touraine)
If my old eyes can read tiny print correctly, this is lot L06301. I think this stuff is great for the price ($19), I can't think of any under $40 rose Champagne that compares. Lovely fresh red fruits, a hint of citrus zest, nice chalky edge to finish. B+/A-
2008 Arianna Occhipinti "SP68"
A Frappato/Nero d'Avola blend (unsure of meaning on name- is this a pun like the French FRV100? I speak no Italian). I've liked other Occhipinti wines, but read some disappointing notes on this. Well, maybe it was because of lowered expectations, but I quite liked. Fresh and light bodied but with some structure- mostly acidic but a little tannic. Red cranberry/raspberry fruit, tart but easy to drink. B+
2008 Terres Dorees (JP Brun) Cote de Brouilly
This gets better each time I try. Beautiful deep rich red fruit, medium bodied with good concentration. Aromas of flowers, smoke, pencil shavings. Great value. Holds up well overnight. B+/A-
1985 Villa di Capezzana Carmignano Riserva
OK, no one ages Carmignano 25 years, but I grabbed this for cheap. Totally expecting it to be a tired wreck, cork came out clean and solid, and a reasonably sprightly wine emerged. Black cherries and cassis, smoke, a tad tired but quite tasty. But after about 30 minutes of air this started falling off a cliff- light tired notes became a bit dirty ashtray and then that really dominated. B when opened, C after a while
2004 Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva
Medium bodied, red plums and cherries, some toasty oak notes, a hint of dill. Tasty, easy drinking, trying to strike a balance between modern and traditional I think. B
Some wines that changed (or maybe my tasting is even more inconsistent that I thought). Long day with meetings and benefit concert today, just having leftover wine with leftover food.
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.