With halibut, squash, salad, the 2015 Withers “Peters Vineyard” Chardonnay. Pear fruit wth a nutty edge, good acids, nice length. B/B+
Friday was ribeye and margherita pizza all on the grill, with the salad and the 2015 Felsina Chianti Classico. Black cherry with surprisingly abundant herbal notes, good length, nice. B+/B
Saturday we had over friends for a vaguely Asian fusion dinner.
Oysters on half shell with “Asian mignonette” (shallot with ponzu and fish sauce) and shiso
2006 Bereche “Montagne” Champagne. I generally like Bereche but I found this to be somewhat dull and heavy, despite decent acids. Vanilla and brioche, not my style, others loved. B-/C+
I had done 5 spice chicken on grill, Betsy made sesame noodles and Chinese spinach with sesame , friends brought green salad
2018 Withers Rose- super corked!
2018 Keller Riesling Trocken
Brisk, green apple and citrus, just a hint of sugar, nice length for level. B+
2015 Nigl Freiheit Gruner Veltliner
Touch of fizz, pit fruit with lemon, hint of peas. Good acids and good food wine. B
2012 Maravalle Francisioni ”1897 Tenuta Vitalonga”
Some kind of super-Umbria blend. Blackberry jam, mocha, plush. Says 14% but seems higher. Not really my style. Heaviest still 750 bottle I’ve ever seen- 2 lbs 12 ounces empty. C+/B-
Last night she made a great dish of clams with corn, leek, and fennel, with the 2017 Collestefano Verdicchio di Matelica Salinity and minerality over dry peach and apple fruit, some floral notes, fun with clams. B+/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.