Clearing fridge/freezer, I did a Marco Polo meal (Italy to China) with sausage in fresh tomato sauce over pasta along with dry-cooked long beans. I didn't feel like Chinese or Italian wine so opened the 2008 Michel Auge (Maisons Brulees) "Le Herdeleau" (VdT). Gamay/Pineau d'Aunis/Pinot Noir. Fresh raspberry and cherry, a solid note of pepper, fresh, hint of spritz. Quite enjoyable. Next night I ate at office, but had a glass when I returned home. Fuller, rounder, a little less lively but still quite nice, could almost pass for a quite good Bourgogne at this point. B+
Last night was first night Betsy and I could eat alone together in a week. She chose some of my faves that she doesn't often do- a Tuscan rabbit recipe, grilled polenta, as well as some chard. Wine was the 2005 Terrabianca Campaccio. I'm not a big Tuscan IGT drinker, but the Campaccio I always felt showed more Tuscan/Sangio character than most, and is cheaper than a lot of SuperTs I like less. But this bottle kind of represented why I don't drink Tuscan IGT- it seemed more "Cab from anywhere." Blackcurrant, a little black cherry, lots of vanillin oak. Slightly astringent tannins, low to moderate acidity. Not exciting. C+/B-
Food rocked, though.
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.