Tuesday I didn't have wine with dinner (because I had Chinese food at office before a board meeting), but when I got home had a glass of the wine I had left for Betsy's dinner, the 2007 Gysler Weinheimer Riesling Kabinett (Rheinhessen). Light, easy, juicy sweetness with solid acids. Light for the Rhine, but tasty and fun. I carried to the river Wednesday night, offered tastes to others but didn't try, but had the last 2 ounces at 2 AM this AM when I got in from a run. Still lively, a mineral note more apparent. Very nice wine for low teens tag. B/B+
Wednesday was cool, but we went to the river for the first concert of the year. Our drummer friend Ron had a trio backing an excellent jazz vocalist, we had a nice picnic (I had made a steak salad and a grilled eggplant salad). As I was taking a group from PA into city that night, I didn't really consume, but I had teeny tastes of bottles from several friends, although from a plastic glass (I usually carry stems but if you can't really imbibe...):
2005 Grolet "G" (Cotes du Bourg)
Straightforward Libournais Merlot, some black plum, no obvious oak, lighter styled. Nothing to dislike here, but I didn't find especially interesting. For a couple dollars more you can get Grolet's tete de cuvee, which is quite interesting. B-
2007 Pittaro Pinot Grigio (Friuli)
Clean, easy, green apples and a little lemon, ok. B-
2005 Potel "Cuvee Gerard" Bourgogne
I think I didn't care for this much on release, but this showed nicely. Black cherries, a little mocha, not big but with good grip and concentration. Would have liked a real pour in a real glass to see if I liked as much. B+
(2007?) du Mortier "Graviers"
I think this was a Bourgueil, but not certain. Fresh red fruit, a bit of tobacco leaf, but a bit too poopy for me. C+/B-
Fun evening with dogs, music, food, and a little wine, I was sorry I couldn't hang into the nighttime.
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.
