Thursday Betsy broiled some lemon sole with mustard and herbs, served with potatoes and some deli brocolli rabe. I was taking a group on a Run that night, so limited to one glass, I opened a 375 of the 2002 Billaud-Simon Chablis. Citrus and melon fruit over a chalk and crushed seashell mineral base, decent length for a base Chablis. Drinking so nicely I wonder if I should open my B-S Vaillons soon. B
I'd gotten about three hours sleep, so looked forward to a quiet night at home Friday. Betsy was making a lamb tagine for Sunday dinner, asked what I wanted for Friday dinner. I said "red meat", because I felt like a good red. She made porterhouse with a red wine/hoisin/butter sauce, with roasted veggies (carrot, parsnip, and shitake) and a salad. I decided to try the 2001 Ch. Barde-Haut (St Emilion). Drinking very well right now, lush red berry fruit layered with chocolate and hint of violets. Open from the start, as we progressed through the bottle fruit seemed to get darker and a cedary note emerged. Moderate fine tannins, good length. Clearly modern styled, but not over the top. I'm sure this could hold for a while but I'm not sure that it is going to improve for my tastes, this style drinks so well young. May pick up couple more. B+/A-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. 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.