gorgonzola, onion, sage,and tomato pizza
lamb chops in panko and romano
roast kale
The wines:
NV Barone Pizzini Franciacorta Brut
Definitely on the sweet side for brut, a hint of yeast, plenty of applesauce, not especially long, not a fan. B-/C+
1988 Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico
23 is longer than I typically push CC, but this was recently available at CSW, and I took a chance. Score! Good acids, black cherry fruit, saddle leather and violets. Beautifully balanced, mature but not at all fading, delicious. A-
2001 Ch. Laforge (St Emilion)
Round, lush, black plum jelly and a bit of vanilla, some liked more than Rampolla (crazy!), already feeling a little tired. B-
2001 Edmunds St. John "Rocks and Gravel"
Good cork- whew! Fairly high acids, bright red fruits, a big herb/menthol/eucalyptus note that surprises me, but I find attractive with time. Pretty, balanced, firm. B+
2006 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico (375)
Big, a bit tannic, raspberry and cherry, a little hint of oregano. I think this will be good, but not showing that well for now. B- for drinking now, with substantial room for improvement.
Fun night, but we'll miss Dave till Christmas.
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.