Went up to Scarborough to friends for dinner, carried along the 2011 Pepiere “Clos des Briords” Muscadet, which was opened with some appetizers (hummus, salsa, etc). Saline, green apple and citrus, wet rocks. Delightful. B+/A-
Jim had made jambalaya, there was also salad and dessert and cheese (Port Salut and Manchego). He served the 2011 Filon, a Spanish red (didn't note reqgion) that I assume is Garnacha. This is a full-bodied unassuming red,no apparent oak, a little smoke and tar over ripe red fruits. This is a fruit bomb style I don’t gravitate towards, but more balance than most, and I’d assume under $10, pretty fair value. Reminds me a bit of the old basic Borsao before they ramped up production tenfold. B-
Needed to practice my shucking, so with a few oysters Saturday, with the 2007 Fevre “Bourgros” Chablis Grand Cru. Big and long, fresh acids, chalky minerality, very good if young (I’ve had enough p’oxed Fevre not to be tempted to age). B+
Main course was grilled teriyaki salmon, with a celeriac puree, bok choy, and arugula salad; wine was the 2009 Copain “Tous Ensemble” Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley). Really enjoyable midweight, fresh with good acids, just a hint of cherry cola. Nice finish. I think I tend to like this lower level bottle more than some of Copain’s more expensive wines, but small samples. B+/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.