Saturday I used konbu and bonito to make a broth, added some sauteed chicken breast and shiitakes, served with sauteed spinach and the 2009 AJ Adam “Hofberg” Kabinett; unfortunately Herr Adam invited TCA to dinner. Replacement was the 2002 Leitz “Rudeshiemer Klosterlay” Kabinett- drinking well, citrus and apple, chalky mineral notes, good length. B+
Sunday made a potato chip tortilla, my first attempt at a Ferran Adria recipe. OK, simplest recipe I’ve ever seen from him, fun and easy.
http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2013 ... anish.html
Wine was the delicious (2010) Brulees “L’Erebe”. Just a natural and fun wine, black raspberry and black cherry, rose petals, good dirt. I like a lot and ordered more. B++
Monday some friends had a murder mystery dinner with a New Orleans theme. I (the killer actually) made maque choux and collards, Rachel had made jambalaya and New Orleans style shrimp (sauteed with a spicy butter sauce), Sarah made mini crabcakes, John and Lynn a fennel salad. There were some wines - a sweet and appley Prosecco that I never saw the label for, but wouldn’t seek out, plus
2011 Peju Sauvignon Blanc
I’ve never liked Peju’s reds, but this isn’t bad at all for a midsized Cali white. No obvious oak, middling acids, peach and citrus. B
Marietta Old Vines Lot #58
Juicy and round, this might even have a bit of RS, popular though. I like less than some other recent lots. B-/C+
1998 Coudoulet du Beaucastel
Ripe fruit, earth, briary, underbrush, showing well. B+
There was supposed to be a Selbach-Oster Kab to counter the heat in the jambalaya, but somehow when we left house I grabbed a Champagne (as hostess gift) and a Lafon Macon from fridge, when I got to party and discovered I had Chardonnay not Riesling I put in back in my bag. Fun night, but I prefer when I can talk with my friends as me, not some murderer.
Tuesday we had Meatless Monday
I made a pizza with spinach, tomatoes, olives, and feta, wine was the 2010 Benaza
Godello. Macon-esque, crisp, ripe full fruit but with plenty of acidity, great deal. B+/B
Tonight Betsy made sauteed salmon with fresh herbs, rice, and Brussels sprouts. Kimchi, fukujinzuke, umeboshi, and the 2002 Williams-Selyem Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) completed the meal. Red cherries, a little vanilla coke, moderate acids, a tad short for a $30-40 wine. B-
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.