With spicy "Latin" pork and quinoa, the 2002 Leitz Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spatlese. Sweet citrus, hint of red fruits, some slate on end. Nicely balanced, open and giving. B+
Dave prefers red so we also opened the 2008 Stefano Farina Barbera d'Alba. Red plums and cherries, good acidity, no perceptible tannin. Forward and friendly, a bit simple but hey it was $5. B-
Last night was gorgeous, Betsy made shrimp with serranos and garlic as well as a corn/grain salad, we carried to riverfront to meet friends and enjoy some Middle Eastern jazz. I did sample some wines:
2008 Ametza Txakolina
OK, this was a mistake buy, I scanned an offer and thought I was ordering Ameztoi. I wish I had, I thought this a bit dull and atypical. Lemon fruit, moderate acidity, a bit short. None of the "Basque twist on Muscadet" style I enjoy in other wines from Txacoli. C+
2009 "La Selve" Cuvee Maguelonne Rose
Neglected to note appellation. A bit softer than I prefer my roses, very strawberry driven, a bit of herb. More acidity and I think I'd have really liked this. B-/C+
NV Venturini Baldini "Roncolo" Lambrusco
Deep color, light fizz, framboise and blackberry. Light, moderately sweet, easy to drink, no pretensions of complexity. 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.