Over the long weekend
2019 Florian Andre “La Belle Etoile” rose (VDF)
Quite light, fresh raspberry and cherry, good aperitif. B/B-
With Grilled ribeyes, potatoes, salad
2001 Edmunds St. John “Peay” Syrah
Don’t think I’ve ever had this bottling before, found in cellar, probably bought from Steve’s library sale. Big for ESJ, rich sweet blackberry fruit, some leather and mushroom. Great with the steaks, a bit too much for me when food is done. Still a nice wine in a Syrah meets Zin style.B
With oysters, grey sole, rice, bok choy, salad
2018 Brocard “Boissonneuse” Chablis
Straightforward, balanced and flinty, textbook if not write home to mama. B
On two afternoons we had socially distanced friends for canapes (hummus, olive, taramasalata, smoked mussels) and a glass or two
2019 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose
Herbs, cherries, and nectarine. Pale but with some power, pretty tasty, especially on second day. B+
On a Zoom reunion with Bordeaux group
NV Marguet “Shaman 15” Extra Brut Rose
Zero dosage, yet not the least bit sternor austere. Cherries with citrus and flower notes, a bit of brioche, good length, elegant mousse. A-
Pizzas (pepperoni, feta/artichoke/olive)
2012 Passopisciaro
Dark fruit and kirsch, velvety texture, but comes across as hot and a touch volatile to me (I think I liked before) B-/C+
No big Memorial party this year, but trying to keep a couple traditions. Hot dogs for lunch, then for dinner couple racks of St. Louis ribs, grilled clams with lemon/fried garlic, sesame noodles, and asparagus (well latter 2 aren’t part of our usual Mem Day menu). Opened the 1974 Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon. Red and black cherries, smoke and a bit of green herb, complex and long. No hurry. A-
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.