With a spicy salmon rice bowl, the 2015 Peter LauerLambertskirch) Riesling Kabinett
Zippy acids, tropical fruit, rich and sweet but lively. B+
Grilled branzino filets, grilled ramps, squash,and salad.
2018 Zarate Balado Albarino
Such fun. Great snappy acids, chalk meets oyster shell, excellent length. A-
No wine Thursday was tofu and green beans with chile crisp
Friday was a good friend’s birthday. An eclectic crowd gathered - family members, old friends, a couple of nonagenarian (well, one, and 1 88 year old) adventurous Swedes. Appetizers (cheddar/mango chutney balls, smoked salmon on cucumber, fig/pecorino/prosciutto rolls) on the porch looking at the Hudson, with the NV Lilbert Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Cramant (disg 2018). Bright and elegant, racy., B+
Main course at table was beef tenderloin, potatoes, green beans, salad
1962 Ch. Gruaud-Larose
Thought this smelled great when I double-decanted for travel, but thought I got a hint of TCA when first poured. Luckily, whatever it was blew off (so not TCA). Lots of leather, rounder black fruits, good but not great (a bottle last year was better), but main thing was birthday boy enjoyed B/B+,
2017 Camille Giroud Pommard
Red plums, cherries, cocoa. This is juicy but with some stern tannins, I’d give some time.B
Saturday we had a belated Mother’s Day (Betsy's mom had COVID in assisted living on actual day), with her mom, sister, and sister’s family. Started with smoked salmon, soppressata, and other canapes/
2007 Boulay “Clos de Beaujeu”-Sancerre
I had grabbed a Sancerre on everyday rack, opened, poured,and was puzzled by how complex and evolvedit was. Oops, it’s not the 2020 regular Chavignol. Just lovely- tangerine and grapefruit, a touch of waxiness, hint of almonds, long finish. A-
Main course with grilled lamb kebabs (Ottolenghi marinade), orzo with feta, and a spinach/date salad. Wine was the 2005 Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie. Dark fruits, a little smoke, good finish, tasty but not really exciting. B
Sunday we headed up to Mohonk Mountain House for one night to get in a little hiking and canoeing. Sunday dinner I started with unagi don, with a glass of the 2020 Gueissard Bandol Rose. Didn’t know producer, thought Bandol rose was pretty safe. You live and you learn. Flat, soft, and empty. 5 oz pour, left half. C
Main course was monk fish with sunchoke puree, confit carrots, and a curry carrot sauce. A glass of the 2019 Kuentz-Bas Riesling was at least better than the rose. Dry, apple and ginger, moderate acids. B-/B
Home Monday for leftover lamb and orzo. The 2007 Jadot Baudes Chambolle-Musigny 1er. Black cherry, red plum, some vanillin oakWell-balanced, ready, B+/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.