With the lobster glut, we've gotten used to $4-5 lb sales for chicks, but lately Fairway has had $6/lb for larger ones, so Saturday I got a 4-pounder. Served with melted butter, corn, tomato salad and the 2007 Au Bon Climat "Bien Nacido" Chardonnay. The lobster was better than the wine- I think of ABC as more vibrant than most CalChards, but while this did have some good acidity, I thought the sweet canned tropical fruit element approached cloying. C+
We decided to have our Labor Day party on Sunday instead of Monday, a bit smaller than usual, but still about 3 dozen folks. Betsy made fried chicken, sweet potato/scallion salad, roasted pepper salad, and guacamole. I was in charge of bulgogi hanger steak, bluefish Dijonnais. mango salsa, & hot dogs. We had a large platter of goat, leftovers from a party Dave had previous afternoon, with tortillas and salsa. Others brought a huge assortment of desserts, salads, chicken wings, deviled eggs, etc. A perfect day- clear, low humidity, mid 70s with a light breeze. And, of course, some wine:
Pinks
NV Clos Boutes "Le Pluriel" Rose
Strawberries, grass, clean and straightforward, not especially complex but a great apertif. B
2009 Ch. Bellevue La Foret (Fronton)
Strawberries, red cherries, a dose of RS (though marketed as dry). Very herby. B-
2009 Guion Rose
Spice and red fruit, my favorite rose of the day. B/B+
Whites
2008 Luneau-Papin "Pierre Blanches" Muscadet
I thought this was corked at first, then decided ok. Saline, citrus, good length, a bit mute- still not 100% sure on this one. NR
1992 Hans Wirsching Iphofer Julius-Echter-Berg Silvaner Spatlese Trocken (Franconia)
I decanted this so bottle wouldn't give away, blinded John D with it. His first guess was Alsace Riesling (not bad guess), he quickly got Silvaner once I said it wasn't Riesling. Very floral with petrol nuances, good length, mineral, not at all tired. Not especially deep or complex, but nice mature wine at a bargain price. B+
2008 Domaine de Gioielli Blanc de Blancs Sec (Coteaux du Cap Corse)
I believe John said this was Vermentino. Herby, rich, good acidity, medium body. B/B+
2009 Clos Roche Blanche "#2" Sauvignon (Touraine)
Larger framed vintage of this wine,but still a good acidic backbone. Orange zest, citrus with a hint of just mowed grass. B+
2008 Willi Schaefer Riesling QbA
Fresh, light, vibrant, green apples with a little limeade, delicious basic estate wine. B++
Reds
2008 Sandro Fay Rosso di Valtellina
I've generally quite a fan of this,and have liked this vintage, but this seemed a bit dull- red fruit, a little hint of tar, but a touch clipped. This bottle a B-/C+
2008 Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages
Surprisingly rich, medium bodied with good fruit and acids,and a touch of tannin. B/B+
1971 Anforia Barolo Riserva Speciale
My last of these from an unknown producer. A fair dose of VA, hint of brett, but underneath there's a real red fruit meets newly tarred road Baroloness. Divisive wine. For me, B
NV Marietta Lot 51 Old Vine Red Wine
After some unimpressive lots, this is what I used to like about the Marietta. Juicy, fresh, forward, happy go lucky wine. B
2008 Guion "Cuvee Domaine" Bourgueil
Didn't take notes but I liked, as always!
Sweet
1982 Freemark Abbey Edelwein Gold
Dark, thick, reminds one of a TBA. Caramel, toffee, butterscotch. Rich, deep, long. Great stuff, thanks John! A-/A
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.