Last night we walked over to some friends for dinner. Started off with shrimp, mozzarella balls, and the 2009 Mas du Fadan Rose (Cotes de Ventoux). Crisp, sweet strawberries, clean dry wine, not bad. B-
An arugula salad with walnuts and blue cheese, then the fish stew/chowder (with cod and chorizo). I had carried the 2007
Bavard "Les Champs Perrier" Bourgogne. Bright acids, lemony fruit with just a hint of pear. I thought more Macon-ish than Cote d'Or ish, but nice medium bodied Chard. B/B-
There was also a California red, the 2006 Geja's Big Bold Red. Light bodied, simple, unoffending. B-/C+. I liked better than the 2006 Cabernet-Tempranillo (Navarra) which was thick, sweet, and unformed. C
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.