Saturday we had mussels mariniere, blanched pea shoots with ponzu, and broccoli, with the 2011 Manciat “les Crays” Macon-Charnay. Initially this was so cold it didn’t taste of much (I was used “Patio fridge” and forgot to bring in earlier). As it warmed more expressive, with white fruit, a little floral note, moderate acids. B
Sunday was leftovers, mussels with an egg/mustard dressing followed by oxtails in Barbaresco and a polenta/vegetable casserole. I decanted the 1986 Cantalupo “Collis Breclemae” Ghemme about a half hour before dinner, it seemed a bit thin and tired, with some red fruit and firm tannins but an overlay of ashtray.But the rep for Nebbiolo needing air prevailed, the ashtray faded, the fruit strengthened, and this was a lovely bottle 2-3 hours in. C+ on opening, B+ with air.
Monday I did a mushroom/barley risotto and cauliflower with sumac, rosemary, and pine nuts, Betsy came in to fix some asparagus and we opened the 2012 Rotie Cellars Northern White. This is 100% Marsanne from Washington St, full bodied with citrus, melon, & honey. B+/B.
Tuesday was a kimchi stew with chicken and sprouts. Wine was the 2013 Lapierre Morgon.
Red fruits, floral, gains weight, a hint of anise on finish, long and fun. 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.