Oysters,halibut cheeks, green puttanesca (with Betsy substituting collard/beet/cauliflower greens for spinach)
2023 Pepiere Gras Moutons Muscadet
Lovely, with citrus and stone fruits, floral, wet rocks. Long, balanced,and complex. A-
No wine Monday with grilled chicken
Usually Betsy’s sister’s BIL who has Downs is with them July 4th, but this year they were in Michigan until Monday. We were surprised to learn he was very disappointed to miss our Independance Day party, so we decided to have another small one Tuesday. Too hot and sticky to be outside for meal, but we had decorations and silly 4th hats
Lobster/tarragon/citrus salad
2021 Nudant- Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc
Pear, citrus, just a hint of vanilla, easy to drink and good lobster match, B
Hot dogs, flank steak, potato salad, Swiss chard
1988 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Leanness of the year shows, a little bell pepper over red currant fruit, some licorice notes, a touch of ashtray on finish. A good wine for ‘88 Cali but pretty much needs to be drunk up. B/B+
We finished up with root beer floats for those that wanted and then sparklers in the yard, guest of honor seemed happy.
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.