Whoa the temps dropped!
Cinnamon beef and spinach stew with fresh rice noodles
2021 Hureau Tuffe Saumur-Champigny
Black cherry and plum, tobacco leaf, a little jalapeno. Lots of character here, supple tannins, moderate acids, good length. Young. B+
With oysters
2024 Zarate Val do Salnes Albarino (Rias Baixas)
I’m a big Zarate fan, and this was solid, but I was a little disappointed it didn’t excite more. Citrus, yellow plum, a hint of hay and saline, moderate acids. Not super long. B-
Steamed ginger red snapper, baby Shanghai bok choy, stirfried asparagus, and rice
2016 Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
Yellow fruits, ginger, sweet pea, with a spicy edge. 12.5 % and sprightly. Fun. B
After a full day shoveling, thought I deserved some Bordeaux.
Roast green goddess chicken, root vegetables (parsnip, turnip, carrot), and broccoli rabe
1996 Ch. Lagrange (St Julien)
Lagrange is like one of those classic character actors - never the star of the vintage, but almost always turning in a satisfying performance. Cassis, leather, a distinct ferric note, mostly resolved tannins and balanced acids. Good length. Drinking well and no reason to wait on these. B+/A-
More digging out, reward myself with Oregon Chardonnay
Celeriac/ginger soup with Gorgonzola, chicken, and salad
2022 Vincent Royer Vineyard Chardonnay
A little tight/reductive at first but cleans up quickly. Pear and lemon, touch of white pepper, good acids, nice mouthfeel. B+/B
No wine tonight as I try to navigate the frigid city.
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 the only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.