Gave out 70 lbs of candy to hundreds (thousand+) trick or treaters, then headed home to hand out stuff for about 60 kids at home. A little bushed for cooking, had brought a corned beef sandwich, with salad and the 2018 Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett (#2). I’m always a little sceptical of 2018s, and this wasn’t the raciest MSR but it was also not flabby at all. Citrusy- clementines, lime zest, blood orange, with a floral note and a touch of wet rocks. Very nice. B+
Found out Friday that someone at our Wed goodbye dinner had tested positive for COVID. I felt fine (as did everyone else), and tested negative, but didn’t want to join local group for Chianti & Montalcino night. But luckily it was warm for Nov and Tom the host said he’d set up outside , and everyone was cool with me coming (and now 4 days later still negative and fine). Lovely night on the deck, with a great spread of cheeses and charcuterie, followed by mushrooms Rockefeller and wild boar ragu on pappardelle.
(NV?) Frescobaldi Leonia Brut
Appley, on sweet side of brut, refreshing but not complex. B-
2021 Fattoria del Colle Chianti Superiore
I’ve never actually heard of Chianti Superiore before. Ripe cherry Koolaid, quite short. I thought maybe Rosso di Montalcino. B-/C+
2019 Cantina di Montalcino Brunello di Montalcino
Lightbodied, a little lifted on nose, I was sure this was a basic Chianti, nope! B-
1990 Campogiovanni San Felice Brunello di Montalcino
Rich red fruit, a little coffee and leather, guesses were 10-12 years old. WOTN B+/A-
2021 Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi
Spicy, red and black cherry, good acids. Chianti was my guess. B+/B
2020 Rodano Chianti Classico
Ripe and almost kirschy, I thought this was (good)modern Brunello and was surprised when unveiled- I know people who really like Rodana. B
2021 Montesecondo Chianti Classico
Now this is Chianti, racy, spicy, saddle leather. B++
2019 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino
Black cherry and oak, a little hot on finish, did get this as BdM. B/B-
Black sea bass, pasta, broccolini, grilled Castelfranco radicchio
2023 Boulay Chavignol Sancerre
Grapefruit and pear, a little hint of grass, long chalky finish. Pretty classic in a lean (but not stark) style. B+'
Oysters, grey sole with a ponzu glaze, hakurei turnips, puntarelle alla Romano, salad
2021 Fichet "Meix Sous le Chateau" Meursault
This is seriously impressive for village level Meursault, wonderful apple and passionfruit, orange peel, and a hint of hazelnut. Complex and balanced, long finish. A-/B+
No wine Monday with Bobby Flay chicken breasts with mint sauce
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.