Friday we headed to Atlanta, making an unplanned stop in Macon (which doesn't appear to have commercial service!) but eventually arriving very late. A quick visit to my mom in hospital, then a Whopper at midnight, sans vino. Saturday we had dinner with my dad, I grilled some beef tenderloin and squash while Betsy prepared green beans and tomatoes, we opened the 2008 A to Z Pinot Noir (Oregon). Pleasant, light, innocuous, nothing to see here folks move along. B-/C+
Sunday night we visited at my brother's, he had us order in from club, and gave me a tour of his new wine room. He's not a geek, but is on a couple of lists, and so far his cellar is primarily Kistler and Benovia. I was having meatloaf, but told him I was only having a glass, so he opened a Chardonnay since that's what my SiL prefers. The 2006 Kistler "Vine Cliff" Chardonnay is a big wine, sweet tropical fruit surrounded by lots of new oak. Creamy, sweet, this is a bit much for me, though it is possible the oak will integrate with time. B- for now
Monday we flew back (couple legs), I went to work for a bit, and then home to walk with hound to some friends' for dinner. Baba ganoush, broiled tomatoes, pasta with pesto, chicken, salad. And some wine:
2004 Domaine Carneros Brut
I'm not a big fan of CA bubbly, but this was crisp and refreshing- apples and citrus, a hint of unbaked dough, lively. Not very long or complex, but a nice summer apertif. B
2007 Roulot Bourgogne
Really showing like a nice Meursault, broad white fruit with hazelnut and damp earth, good acidity to balance, nice length. B+
1998 Casisano Colombaio Brunello di Montalcino
Soft, easygoing, maybe resembling a maturing CCR from a ripe vintage more than a BdM. Red fruit, leather, a hint of sweat. Pleasant. B/B-
Nice to be home with good friends and good dogs.
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.