A group met at my sister-in-laws for a bon voyage party for friends moving to Massachusetts.
For no particular reason food theme was Spain. We started with a variety of tapas - conservas (octopus, tuna, sardines, etc), charcuterie (salchichon, smoked pork loin), meatballs, torta, spinach, cheeses. Then an excellent grilled paella with chorizo, chicken, clams, and shrimp.
NV Taittinger Brut Champagne
I assume this was La Francaise, but I didn’t look closely. I was tasked with opening it, realized it had been on counter for a while. Managed to open without wasting, but it was a bit warmer than ideal. Still a pretty solid Champagne with Fuji apple, bread dough, and some chalk on finish. Maybe a little rounder than ideal, but acids might show more if cooler. Going to give it benefit of doubt and say B/B+
2021 Manuel Quintano Rioja Blanco
Very popular, sweet peach and melon, moderate acids, a little tarragon herb notes. But a little short, B-
1987 La Rioja Alta 890 Rioja Gran Reserva
Bright red fruits, leather, hint of coconut and dill. Very good length, plenty of grip. B+/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.