Teriyaki salmon, soba with trumpet mushrooms, salad, and likely the last heirloom caprese of the year
2023 Chermette Origine Beaujolais VV
Great value, crunch black cherry and raspberry fruit, herbs, hint of mocha. Fresh and friendly. B++
Goan shrimp curry, baby cauliflower with garam masala, rice
2006 Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Kabinett
This shows more 2006 than Zilliken, with ripe peach/nectarine fruit more than typical Saar citrus/blossoms. Fleshy, full, plenty of sweetness, just enough acidity to keep it from blowsy. B
Some close friends came to dinner Friday
Canapes (smoked salmon; seasoned octopus conservas)
2020 Ultramarine Heintz Blanc de Blancs
I’m not a regular soda drinker, but once every 5-10 years I have a Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray in a deli. I didn’t expect to find those flavors in a sparkling wine. Green vegetables, bitter herbs, this is not a pleasant drink. C
Ramekins of pumpkin gratin
2018 Capensis Chardonnay
Full styled Chard but with clean bright acids and integrated oak. Great march with the pumpkin gratin, B+
NY strips, baked potato, Brussels sprouts and kale salad
1986 Ch. Sociando Mallet
Cassis, cigarbox, a little chipotle. Tannins are quite integrated, with air a little hint of barnyard, but totally within my accepted parameters. Not super long but pretty classic Medoc profile. B+
Spiced GF apple cake for those that wanted. Fun night with great people.
Saturday oysters, butternut curry soup with a coconut/peanut/chile garnish, roast striped bass, broccoli, rice
2016 Heritiers du Comte Lafon Vire Clesse
Touch of reduction clears up, pear and citrus blossoms, a hint of almond, minerally/chalky finish. Outstanding Macon. 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.