With smoked scallops, the 2007 Knoll Dürnsteiner Ried Schutt Riesling Smaragd. Tropical (mango) and citrus (grapefruit) fruit, big, hint of petrol, long. Big wine, still young. B+
With Flannery’s Midwest prime strip steak, sweet potatoes, broccoli, & salad, the 1986 Rauzan-Segla, my favorite vintage from this chateau. Great showing, cassis and bright berries, tobacco leaf, spice and citrus zest. Tannins still apparent, but not at all harsh. Good balance, great length, lovely. A-
Sunday we invited Betsy’s sister and her husband- shrimp cocktail (with leftover Riesling), chicken thighs with root vegetables, kale/Brussels sprout salad.
1999 La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Black raspberry, black olive, spice. With air there’s a bit of fallen leaves and ashtray on finish, this is nearing end of life, but a nice CdP in a not so muscular style, fun. B
1959 Calon Segur (375 ml)
Opened because Cal is a ‘59 but will miss Betsy’s party. Tempered expectations because of format, but this half is doing fine. Red currant and plum, cedar, lots of loamy soil notes. Good acid balance, nice finish. A-/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.