Sunday was a gorgeous Father's Day (78, sunny, low humidity).. I hung with the dog while Betsy played with Royal Danish Ballet, then when she came home we prepared for dinner with a friend and his dog. Grilled veal chops, corn, a white bean salad (with shaved asparagus, radishes, and fennel), and mizuna salad (and marrow bones for the pooches). Lovely night on patio, with several wines:
1999 Boasso Barolo Serralunga
Not sure why I have couple bottles of this, I usually only buy producers I know, maybe I had at a store tasting? But glad I do have, rather a nice wine. I was a little concerned about browning color as I decanted, but it seemed to resolve and there was only minimal bricking in glass. Plenty of red fruit, some smoke and tar, violets. Fairly supple tannins for Barolo, balanced acidity, good length, very nice. B+/A-
2004 Guyon (Domaine Hippolyte Thevenot) Corton Charlemagne
I knew this was a longshot, picked up for $7 because of bad storage. $7 wasted, this was undrinkable. Color actually good, no flavors of stewed fruit or madeirazation, not obviously oxidized, just nothng there. Very flat on palate, clipped/non-existent finish. There were cases of this sold, with the store warning of storage, I wonder if any of them ended up on winecommune or other sites selling for normal price. D
(NB: I usually like Guyon, and am sure well treated bottles would be ...a treat).
2009 Pernot Bourgogne Blanc
Ripe, balanced, fresh white fruit with a little hint of soil and nuttiness. Very very good for the level. B+
Fun night with a good friend though touched with sadness. Betsy has been playing principal with several pieces with exposed cello solos, the orchestra had presented her with flowers during bows; she was really touched - and a bit sad as future looks grim for NYCO orchestra. Bittersweet.
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.