Over 4 days, the 2009 Leitz Rudesheimer Klosterlay Kabinett showed very well. Pale and bright with a slight hint of spritz, green apples and lime, slatey mineral notes. Nice length. Moderately sweet, but no more than I find appropriate for Rheingau kabinett. Nice value ($12.75). B+
A broken water main convinced me that leftovers were best option Saturday, accompanied by the 2007 Filliatreau "Grande Vignolle" Saumur-Champigny. Nice fresh crunch red fruits, a little tobacco leaf. solid acidity, light tannins. Maybe not quite the depth of the '05, but a solid and friendly Cabv Franc. B/B+
Sunday was grilled skirt steak with broccoli as well as green beans in a balsamic vinaigrette. with the 2006 Haven Bourriquot (from 375 ml). Dark fruits, moderate tannins, ok acidity, some horse sweat and earth. Shows it's Napa-ness,but not over the top. B
David is home for a week, as he won't see Thanksgiving in Scotland, we decided to do a T'giving dinner, and invited some friends of our he is fond of to join us (as well as his girlfriend). We had bubbly as an aperitif and into first course (a great squash soup with a bit of andouille). The NV Gosset "Excellence" Brut Champagne is on the full side of the spectrum, creamy texture, fresh apple pie aromas, good finish. Bright acidity keeps it light on toes for a big bubbly. Fine mousse. I tend to lean towards the lighter end of Champagne, but this is a fine example of a fuller-framed NV. B+/A-
Then on to capon, sage dressing, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. For an American "holiday" seemed a good time to open an American wine that had been staring at me for couple of months. The 2007 Bookster Pinot Noir (Sonoma) was just not my style, though quite popular with at least 2 people. Thick, sweet, this needs more acid. More appropriate as a pancake topping than wine. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but thick is not a positive word when describing Pinot for me. C+
The 2009 Coquelet Beaujolais-Villages is better, though it surprises me by being fairly ripe as well. This is the first 2009 Beaujolais I've had where I thought just a little less fruit-forwardness might be appropriate/appealing. This reminds me a bit of some of the 2003 Beaujolais, which all of the people who didn't usually like Beaujolais found so appealing. But still, much more structure and interest than the Bookster. Very ripe cherries, earth, a tiny hint of merde/poop. With a little time in glass I appreciate more. Not bad at all, but maybe not a re-buy for me in a vintage so strong across the board in the region. 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.