Tuesday we had lemon sole, bok choy, and red cabbage (hey, cabbage 2 ways). Wine was the 2009 Matrot Bourgogne Blanc. I only had a half glass due to driving - found it tight, soft, with a little matchstick. Went to the city to meet a group of college students and give out some stuff to those in need, drove back through snowstorm. Decided I'd have a midnight glass to relax. Sulfury edge was gone, had opened up, but I still didn't love. Classic pear/apple Chardonnay fruit with a little hint of oak, but softer acids than my wont. Decent Bourgogne, but not the "baby Meursault" I hope for with Matrot, and this won't be my normal multiple bottle buy. B-
Wednesday was all snow shoveling and work, when I got home I looked forward to the short rib with horseradish broth Betsy had prepared (with potatoes and salad). I went to grab a red, ended up with the 1996 Dominio de Conte Rioja Reserva. I had purchased this because I read it was a traditional producer, which is usually my preference in Rioja. I think in this case some tradtions should pass. There's a dill note that I assume is traditional American oak, but this wine is mostly about VA, very ripe plums (actually a few maybe fell off tree and started rotting on ground), and (welcome) dilution. With some time a bit of ashtray emerged. Bad storage or bad wine? C-
Tonight striped bass with an avocado sauce along with leftover vegetables, and the 2009 AJ Adam Hofberg Kabinett. Spatlese sweetness/body, white pit fruit with a touch of citrus, floral, hint of spice. Works great with the food, though on it's own I'd prefer it to have a touch less honied sweetness. Still, excellent wine. A-
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.