Hot and sticky weekend, but a thunderstorm blew through Sunday afternoon leaving behind a gloriously cool and non-humid evening. Some friends came over, and we enjoyed smoked salmon canapes, beef and andouille chili, cornbread, and a cabbage/bean/corn slaw. And, of course, a few wines:
NV Bernard Bremont Rose Champagne
I love this, full and giving, clean red fruits, baking pie crust and graham cracker, mineral. Zippy acidity, delicate mousse, long long finish. I revisit all through night, and keep liking it more and more. A-
2008 Donnhoff Riesling QbA
Lemonade, cherry, a little orange zest. Medium bodied, clean , fresh. Quite good,but I'll be a heretic and say I thought the 07 was zippier and better. B
2005 Andrew's Vat Alder Ridge Syrah (Columbia Valley)
OK, not my favorite style, but I have to say my guests loved this. Fat, ripe blackberry fruit, some tannin. A jammy sweetness. B-/C+
Nice night with good 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.