Chicken with shallots and tomatoes, egg noodles
2018 Camino Roca Txacoli Getariako
Mild spritz, citrus, saline, fun. B
1999 Monthélie-Douhairet-Porcheret “Champans“ Volnay 1er Cru
Midbodied, that ‘99 balanced ripeness, fully ready, red and black cherry, a little cocoa, some smoky notes. Not super-long, but satisfying from a non-prestige producer. B+
Grey sole, bok choy, and rice with umeboshi
2015 Bachelet Bourgogne Aligote
The ripeness of ‘15 counteracts the sometimes sharpness of Aligote, lemony without bitterness, a little vanilla note. B
Oysters (with leftover Aligote), followed by great dry-aged shell steak, sweet potato gnocchi, broccoli rabe ravioli, salad
1986 Ch. Rauzan-Segla
Another fine showing for this old fave. Black currant and black plum, earth, cigarbox. Some tannic structure but drinking superbly. Pretty much what I look for in maturing claret. A-/A
2016 Ben Haines Marsanne (Yarra Valley)
Decent acids for Marsanne, but I didn't love this, but I struggle with Rhone white varieties. B-/C+
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.