Sunday Betsy headed to Mendocino, that night no wine with dinner at in-laws, then redeye home (after a lovely interlude at the Sacromento airport "yes sir, you do have a confirmed seat, but we don't have a ticket number" ). Monday I caught up at work, then had a quiet evening with the dog, bbq chicken, sauteed spinach, and the NV (2010) Lapierre "X" Raisins Gaulois. For me this is kickapoo joy juice- vibrant, fun, uncomplicated. Fresh acidity, pretty red fruit, easy to like. B+
Tuesday I had some friends over for dinner, as thanks for their help with Lucy while I was away. Grilled sausages,chicken, squash, eggplant, and salad, plus Nancy brought a cheese plate. I picked out an assortment of wine and told guests to choose what to open (after a sip of the welcoming bubbly).
NV Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut Champagne (375 ml)
Good acidity, fine mousse, light and fresh, a little bready/yeasty note. B+
2008 Fourrier Bourgogne Blanc
Crisp, structured, tasty, punching above it's class. B++
2008 Finca Sandoval "Salia" (Manchuela)
I've had the standard FS before, this is my first try of the entry level wine. Nice Rhone-style blend- lots of body, moderate tannins, enough acidity to avoid jamminess. No overt oak I can detect. This is a bit more "in your face" fruit style than is my wont, but very well done, and very popular at table. B
1985 Gundlach-Bundschu "Rhinefarm Vineyard Vintage Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon
I was afraid that this would be dead, but it had plenty of fruit. What it didn't have (for me) was much interest. Low acid, resolved tannins let to feeling of no structure, some tertiary leaves/forest floor notes but no real complexity, red plum fruit with a hint of prune. Others liked more, but to me this is not an example of why you age wine 25 years. . C+
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.