With clams in a fairly spicy broth, scallops with a chive/lemon sauce, rice, and Brussels sprouts, the 2004 Pepiere (Ollivier) “Clos des Briords” Muscadet VV. I wondered if this might be a bit tight, but it was open and welcoming. Plus less austere than I would have imagined- ripe pit fruit along with grapefruit, plenty of mineral/seashell notes, saline, long. Quite nice (and even better on day 2). My only issue is that I think I'm down to 2 or 3 of these, and I want to see what they're like at 10 or 15, but doubt any make it- just too good now. A-
With leftover ersatz cassoulet, the 2008 Ch. la Grolet (Cotes du Bourg),.
Cassis and dark berry, good acidity, light tannins. A little hint of saddle leather and earth. Pretty good, typical, but I think I like a tad (just a tad!) less than some earlier vintages on release. 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. In this particular case, even less accuracy, as my average-at-best physical skills were further hampered by a cold.