Friday was Flannery rib cap medallions (we split an 8 oz California Prime and a 6 oz Waygu, I actually preferred the former), pasta with spinach and mushrooms (leftover), Brussels sprouts, and salad. The 1988 Jadot Chapelle-Chambertin was pretty impressive. I think ‘88s have come out of their closed period, but I still expect the wines to be more sturdy/rustic than elegant. But this is pretty elegant. Red fruit, citrus zest, spice, with a backdrop of mushroomy earth. Medium to full bodied, structured but not hard, good length. A-
A friend came by and I opened the 1999 Joblot “Clos du Cellier aux Moines” Givry 1er. I found this disappointing, as I am a big ‘99 fan. Tart red fruit with a little pruney note, thin, somewhat clipped. If this is representative bottle C+/B-
I started to buy bay scallops at market, but as I got up close realized the $27.50 was per HALF pound. I feel sorry for fishermen this year but I can’t see $55/lb. So that night I had broiled mackerel filets, Brussels sprouts, sauteed spinach. Wine was the 2017 Jo Landron “Les Houx” Muscadet - lovely citrus and saline, good body, good length. B+
I was making choucroute (Toulouse sausage, local kielbasa (not smoked), smoked ham hock, ham, bacon) and used the 2012 Trimbach Riesling. Still quite fresh, bracing acids, apple and grapefruit , good value. B
Dinner wine was the 1998 Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling. Thought I had drunk these, but ran across a bottle in bottom of cellar. I had a backup (2005) in case of premox, but this was just fine. Apple, pineapple, minerals and petrol. Not zippiest CFE but there’s balance and good length. Fun find. 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.