OK, what kind of idiot does chourcroute in summer? This kind. Hot day, but I was busy at work, but had some excellent kraut from the farmer's market and some smoked hocks, add some bacon, sausages, potatoes,apple, etc in the slow cooker and I didn't need to think much for dinner. Wine for cooking was equal parts Saar Auslese and GC Chablis. My friend Roger came over, the weather had broken and it was a great breezy night on patio. We had some leftover Brunello (he had bought a bunch but not tried his yet), but the main dinner wine was the 1998 Trimbach "Cuvee Frederic Emile" Riesling. This is really in a nice place, full-bodied with tangy acids, petrolly nose, on the palate citrus with a bit of peach and tropical fruit. Nice texture, very good length. With some air the petrol notes blend with some florally/jasmine scents. Drinking well but no hurry. A-/B+
Fun night sitting on patio learning the intricacies of soccerball collecting.
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.