Friends over for dinner last night. They like wine but are not geeks, so time for some more "accessible" bottles that also have a ton of flavor to work with the braised hoisin pork. This is not my usual fare.
2002 Kistler Chardonnay Dutton Ranch
Surprisingly tasty. Yes it still has more than its fair share of oak, but it also has quite a lot of tropical fruit and citrus flavors. It's certainly no Chablis, but it's balanced and flavorful (and most importantly guest friendly).
2002 Turley Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard
Dark, rich, plummy, but surprisingly - no heat, no VA. It's actually quite easy to drink, until you get mid-way into your second glass & realize that standing up is optional.