Saturday we were going to cassoulet dinner. We stopped by to pick up a couple of friends, and were offered some 2011 Lauduc Bordeaux rose. This needs some vim and vigor- not sure if tired, or just lacking. C+
We headed to the dinner in a steady rain, and were among first to arrive. We were greeted with endive stuffed with crab salad, warm homemade potato chips with gorgonzola & pear, and the NV Ste. Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux. Apple juice and pear, white blossoms, simple but decent crispness. C+
After everyone was there we headed for table where we had a smoked duck salad with asparagus, and the 2011 Ch le Tertre (Bordeaux). Light (Fred calls it full, can’t really see that), grass, citrus, and catpee/gooseberry. Apparently this is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Acceptable for overcropped SB, I guess. B-/C+
Beautiful duck-heavy cassoulet followed, with some reds
2011 Ch. de Bergey (Bordeaux AC)
Acids are a bit sharp, red berry fruit with a slightly funky edge, not very long. C+
2003 Lamartine "Cuvee Particuliere” Cahors
My favorite of the night, bold black fruits, leather and earth, ripe without overripeness, plenty of tannins but supple. Not super complex,but nice. B+
1995 Ch. de Coutale Cahors
Plenty of fruit remaining, some tannin, nice length but a tad stolid. B/B+
1988 Eugenie “Cuvee Reserve des Tsars” Cahors
Alex is from a Franco/White Russian family, so I thought this was doubly on theme. Moderate acids, midbodied, surprisingly black raspberry profile. My neighbor thought this opened up with time, while I thought it crashed and became disjointed/volatile. For me B to start, within a half hour C.
Creme brulee and raspberries followed. Fun night.
Sunday I went to a benefit jazz concert for my organization, came home to listen to Betsy’s cello trio rehearse, and then started on dinner. Flounder baked on tomato, with salad and the 2011 Benito Santos Albarino (Rias Baixas). Enjoyable midbodied wine, citrus and saline, ok maybe it’s not Briords but it’s nice. B
Tonight I made a pesto, linguine, a fresh tomato sauce, portobellos with feta, and broccoli with red peppers. Wine was the 2012 Bruna “Le Russeghine” Pigato. Citrus, almonds, herbs, nice stuff. 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.