A friend wanted to take a little sailing cruise for her birthday, so I headed down to Battery Park for a sunset cruise in NY harbor. Quite fun- my first time on a tall ship. Incredible sunset just as we were passing Liberty Island, cool breezes, and stunning views as sun went down and Manhattan lit up. What could be better? Well, the wine. Originally we were supposed to sail previous night on a smaller boat that allowed BYO picnic and wine. But this boat had a bar and didn’t allow outside alcohol. I knew it would be grim. Jim told me the bartender said they had “every kind of wine.” Uh huh. So after I did my part hauling sails up I went to bar (mostly serving “adult hot chocolate” and asked what white wines they had. “Every kind” bartender brightly replied. Ok, Muscadet? “What’s that?” I cut losses and ask for Sauvignon Blanc. The 2012 Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc isn’t that bad, though it’s soft and there’s not much varietal character. Melon, apple, very soft acids, maybe a little grass would give clue it’s SB. Could be worse. B-/C+.
But my picnic was duck salad and lentils, so I girded myself and order a PN. I’ve blocked the name out of my mind, Something Canyon I think. Forgettable is the best thing I can say about it- sweet, short, empty, with a little medicinal edge. I managed to choke down about half a (plastic) glass before dumping overboard. C/C-
Birthday girl and husband were driving, and gave me a ride back to Westchester, and came in to see their favorite basset hound. I opened the 2011 Fosse-Seche “Arcane” Saumur. Riper style of Chenin, apples and wool. Good. B
Saturday I went over to sister-in-laws for a nice gathering. Guacamole, fish tacos (with cabbage, peppers, chipotle mayo, 3 choices of salsa), corn with chili mayo, beans, rice, more.
Some drank beer, some drank wine.
1999 Ch. Prieure Lichine
Ripe, soft, good Margaux-berry floral nose but this needs more structure. B-
NV Brulees “Alterite”
Fun wine, frothy, off dry, fresh berries, easy with the food. B+
2010 Clayhouse “Adobe”
I’m guessing this is a Zin blend. Red berries, a little jammy, some sweetness, a bit short. C+/B-
Sunday I got Betsy at LGA and then she made the lemon sole while I made salad, grilled corn, and warmed lentils. The 2009 Deux Montille Bourgogne blanc was a clean, ripe version of Chardonnay, pear fruit accented with lemon zest,just a hint of vanillin oak. B
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.