Last night we joined some friends for a "table d'hote" dinner, a farm-to-table themed evening put together by 2 other friends.
First course was canapes, Hudson Valley goat cheese on baguette with thyme, served with a fizzy, the 2008 Vincent Careme "Cuvee T" Vouvray. Appley, fresh, crisp, slightly coarse mousse, but I quite liked this. B+
Next was a Shinnecock Bay scallop carpaccio, over salad with a nice citrus and pink peppercorn dressing. Wine was the 2009 Haut Lavigne (Cotes de Duras). Someone thought it oaky, but I thought no sign of oak at all- I think it was the Semillon's roundness that fooled them. A hint of grass, moderate acidity, a little fuller than a previous vintage of this. OK competitor for base level Bordeaux blanc. B-
Main was Hudson Valley venison stew with noodles, along with the 2006 Domaine des 2 Anes Fontanilles (Languedoc). Red and black berry fruit, a little brett, but well within my tolerance level. Meaty. B
Of course I had also brought a couple of things. Since Fred was doing "natural wines" I brought along a bottle of the IX (2009) Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois (Vin de France) in honor of the godfather of natural wine. Bright, fresh, grapey/berry notes, lively. Not complex, but tasty. B
Since Fred and Alex had both been away for my recent b'day event, I decided I should bring a mature Bdx for them this night. I had double-decanted the 1979 Domaine de Chevalier in advance. As always, a great bottle for the price. Cassis and red fruits, loads of tobacco, a little leather. Fresh, balanced acids, resolved tannins, drinking beautifully. A-
There was also a bottle of the 2006 Henri Milan (Provence- I didn;t get actual appellation, saw bottle briefly) - a big hit with others, but I found a little ungainly. Big fruit, some slightly raspy tannins, not my fave. B-/C+
There was also pears poached in red wine. Fun night, though it got a bit loud at end.
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.