Friday with veal chops with sage, artichokes, and salad, the 2010 Knoll Loibner Gruner Veltliner Federspiel. Dry, peach and tropical fruit, a touch of peas. Nice balanced wine that stands up to the veal and manages not to clash too much with artichokes. B/B+
Then I headed to Fred’s for my local non-serous group’s Gamay tasting. Fred had a nice spread out- salmon tartare, pate, cheeses, olives, cured meats, plus some sausages on the grill. He greeted us with the 2013 Vissoux “Griottes” Beaujolais rose. Light, pleasant, refreshing and fun. B/B+
On to blind Gamay
#1 a bit reductive at first, some black cherry, enough geranium to send me to Loire Gamay, but I guess CRB. 2012 Henry Marionnet Touraine B
#2 slightly candied, a bit thin, I’m not a fan. I guess DuBoeuf but a new producer to me, the
2012 Jean Claude DeBeaune Special Selection Beaujolais. C+
#3 no guesses as it’s mine. A more Pinot profile, black cherry and a little ashtray, not dead but a little tired. 1993 Calot Morgon Vielles Vignes B-
#4 - hey, this is pink. And hey, it’s familar. Rose Gamay makes me get producer on first guess, but it’s not that there are that many options. Lovely, full, sweet, strawberry loveliness.
2013 Edmunds St John Bone Jolly Rose. B++
#5 - medium bodied, black cherry and lots of herbs, good length. I have never heard of this producer but this wasn’t bad at all! 2011 Gaget Cote du Py Morgon B
I had brought a backup, but it wasn’t blind. The 2011 Foillard Cote du Py Morgon showed well right off the bat- full, red fruits, earth, smoke. Good length, nice balance. B+/A-
Fred added a white, the 2005 Joly “Clos de la Bergerie” Savennieres. I liked this more than a previous taste- wooly, melon and tropical fruit, dry and long. B+
Fun night on the deck.
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.