WTN: NSG, satellite Bdx, and MSR

I (excuse me, the dog) gave Betsy John Ash's "From the Earth to the Table" for Mother's Day, but I used it before she did. For meatless Mondays I made a potato/brie/arugula/onion pizza, as well as a romaine salad with a mint dressing. Wine was the 2007 Mugnier “Clos de la Marechale” Nuits St. Georges, from half bottle. Seemed like it was just beginning to shut down a bit, but with some air a very nice wine emerged. Earthy notes, black cherries, a bright note I put down as citrus rind but Betsy mentioned pomegranite. Medium tannins, good acidity, the structure to age. Really a pleasant and promising NSG. B+/A-

The apertif wine over last couple nights was the 2007 von Hovel Riesling. This estate QbA is a lovely example of a fresh and lively lighter styled Riesling. Mosel/Saar apples, a hint of slatey minerality, not very complex but quite likeable. I like this a bit more than von Hovel's Balduin 07. Holds well for 2 days, we'll see re third. B

With lamb on a salad, the 1998 Ch. Fontenil (Fronsac). Ripe red plum fruit with a touch of raspberry, a little cocoa. There's some oak tannins still perceptible, a bit gritty on the finish. With air the fruit seems to develop more surmaturite notes. This is ok, but I enjoyed it more on release. 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.  

[Jenise]

What a lovely thing to give Betsy--the book AND a meal from it.

Appreciate the notes--really have to get into my '98's. I have probably left several for too long.

[David M. Bueker]

Reminds me that I have some 2002 and 2003 Fontenil to consume soon.

What a lovely thing to give Betsy--the book AND a meal from it.
Appreciate the notes--really have to get into my '98's. I have probably left several for too long.

Well, her cooking from it would probably be more lovely.
But I like the book, and she is excited to try it (she also got the Momofuko book from David). I got this on a rec from Hoke, Mike F, and Salil, so I know who to blame if she ends up noti liking it.

It all depends on the 98. I'd pretty much drink up most satellites, especially modern ones. But things like du Tertre and La Louviere are drinking well, with no hurry. And the bigger RBs should probably sleep more. Of course, that's for my tastes, and I maybe like wines with more age than most