Friday we got a pretty good snowfall in afternoon, but it had slowed by evening when I drove to JFK to pick up David. But airport was a mess, and it was about 11 when we returned home for a late dinner. Betsy had prepared one of Dave's faves, beef and spinach in an Asian-esque broth, over udon. We all enjoyed a glass of the 2005 Ch. Peybonhomme les Tours (1er Cotes de Blaye). Lighter claret, but with decent concentration and length. Fresh acidity, light tannins, cassis and plums, a little cedary note. Not exciting, but an honest and straightforward Bordeaux, hard to find those at $12. B
Saturday was a busy workday interspersed with some shopping, Betsy made cioppino with lobster, squid, shrimp, and some cherrystones; roasted potatoes and haricots verts were the side. The 2007 Il Conte Pinot Grigio (Veneto) was the cooking wine. But tasty enough to use as an apertif, clean if light pear and stone fruits, no sign of oak, balanced acidity, fresh. Fine for $7. B-
Main wines was the 2007 Colle Stefano Verdicchio di Matelica. As before, I really enjoyed this. Bright acidity (maybe the tiniest hint of spritz?), honeydew, lemon, and yellow apple flavors, a little earth and hazelnut. Good length, concentration, holds one's interest. The stew was spicy enough to be a difficult match, but this did ok. Nice wine. B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. 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.