With some leftovers, 2004 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Sauvignon. HEavy
on the Gs, grass and gooseberry. Just a tiny hint of sweetness
(probably not real RS , just ripe fruit) but moderate acidity and nice
clean finish. B+

With some Hawaiian pork ribs from freezer, the 2004 JP Brun (Terres
Dorres) "L'Ancien VV" Beaujolais. I can't say this was thrilling at
first, there's a prickliness to the acidity that bothers me a little.
The cherry fruit has an edge of earth, but I'm not excited. Next night
it's better and rounder, still good crisp acidity but without the
prickly note. B/B- first night, B+ with air.

Saturday I was bored with eating alone, and tried to round up a small
dinner crew- it's rough to find people around in July. But managed to
get one friend over, and threw lamb chops, polenta, parsnips, and
squash on the grill, plus made some green beans.

I served the 1999 Lisini Brunello de Montalcino. Big and ripe, modern
without being over the top. There's some coffee/oak aromas and just a
hint of herbs, but at this stage the black cherry fruit is dominant.
Balanced acidity and ripe tannins, needs time yet drinks well. A-

Dolores brought the 2003 Marquis Phillips Shiraz (South Eastern
Australia).
Not my style, overpowers food, even if it's not as big/porty as the
bigger boys in the MP portfolio. Ripe blackberry fruit, some
licorice/fennel. Actually, I hate to admit it, I find this ok just
sipping as we sit on the patio watching the Basset trying to plot a way
to convince me to give her the last lambchop. NOT a food wine. B/B-

With the rest of those ribs Sunday, the 2002 Grant Burge "Thorn"
Riesling (Eden Valley). Green tropical fruits (kiwi and mango) and
citrus (grapefruit), just a little floral edge. Tasty enough, but I
think the Grosset Polish Hill is more my style in Oz Riesling. 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.