We had appetizers of Serrano ham with pear as well as smoked duck breast . Jim likes big reds, Andrea likes crisp dry whites, Betsy and I like both. So I served:
2003 Lilian Ladouys (St Estephe)
Big and vibrant, more red than black fruit. Earthy notes over the red berry fruit, eventually a bit of leather. Enough acidity to keep it lively, some substantial tannins for the level (not many good northern Medocs for $16). Probably the best under-$20 2003 Bdx I've tried. B+
2005 Mardon "Tres VV" Quincy
Green apples and grass, lively acidity, nice finish. Some minerality, more flint than chalk. Gets more citrusy with time. Another buy again. B+/B
Then we sat down to table.
In addition to the bird, we had:
bacon/apple/sage stuffing (she stuffed the bird and cooked a pan as "dressing", as we Southerners call it)
gravy
mashed potatoes with corn,chives, and buttermilk
sour cream/buttermilk rolls
haricots verts with ginger and garlic
green salad
cranberry sauce
pumpkin pie with whipped cream
cheese: Neals Yard Montgomery cheddar , Tallegio, St Nectaire
I had chosen a food-friendly red and white to try and deal with the complex combinations of flavors:
2004 Selbach Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
Lighter styled, classic Mosel. Minerals around apple and pear fruit, sweetness complements the dishes well. A little lime zest, great acidity. Not especially complex, but hits the spot. B+/B
2002 Clos de Roilette (Coudert) Fleurie
A bit shy at first. Raspberry and cherry fruit, good acidity, clean finish. Just as I remember this excellent Beaujolais. Jim finds light and goes back to the St. Estephe. I let alone for a while as I concentrate on the Riesling with the food. When I return, I do a double-take and check that I didn't open a bottle I forgot about. This seems so much bigger than any of the many 2002 Couderts I've opened. Big cherry fruit, earth, flowers, with electric acidity. I'd have guessed a very good Burgundy from maybe Savigny or Volnay if blind. I haven't had this reaction to this wine before, but what can I say? A-
I was quite happy with all of the wines. There was also an 1989 Puligny that was totally shot- no real loss, it was part of a $55 case of assorted risky white Burgundies. I've had 2 wines I really enjoyed from case (one of which has a second bottle), 2 wines that were drinkable if a bit tired, and 4 down the drain. Even if others are totally maderized I can pour down sink thinking I got money's worth.
Fun & delicious night with friends, we gave thanks to be together even if it wasn't a day where it was mandated.
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.