My brother was in NYC, he came up for dinner and we had a few friends/family join us.
Smoked duck breast and Benton’s country ham (thin sliced, served like prosciutto)
NV Benoit Lahaye Brut Nature Grand Cru Champagne (Nov 2018 disgorgement)
Bright, sharp green apple fruit, might be a little austere for some but I liked. Lovely fine mousse, persistent finish. B+
.
Grilled chicken in a Tajin marinade with scallions, caprese, grilled corn (with a Norman butter and a local butter with espelette), rice.
2022 Alzinger Dürnstein Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
Pretty classic GV- peach, white pepper, green pea, hay. Good acids and I wanted to really like, but seemed just a tad flat and short on finish. B/B-
2023 Baudry Chinon Rose
Classic and easy, cherry and watermelon, minty herbs. B/B+
1994 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripeness of vintage shows but classic old school Napa winemaking. Black fruits, eucalyptus, a hint of bell pepper, campfire. Lovely velvety texture, long finish. No hurry here. A-/B+
Lots of leftovers, so same dinner Tuesday
2015 Domaine les Billards Saint Amour
Fuller style of St Amour, ripe black cherry and a little cocoa powder. Young, not showing much development, some tannins, and maybe not classic Beaujolais. But nice wine in a bigger fruitier style. 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.