My plan for my dinner Saturday was soft shell crab (from local
fishmonger)with pasta, but my shopping took me elsewhere. Stew
Leonards only had fried softshells, so I got one of those** plus a
grouper filet to cook. Had both with some baby bok choy with
mushrooms, leftover eggplant with peanut sauce, and the 2006 Louro Do
Bolo (Rafeal Palacios) Godello (Valdeorras). My first Godello, but
won't be my last.
Apple and white peach fruit, a little citrus, full-bodied but with
good acids. There's an Italian-like almond note on the finish, this is
a bit like a Chablis 1er meets a Falanghina. Nice wine, and a nice
wine with the food. B+

Sunday Betsy was coming back from Boston, but stopping for a quick
rehearsal for a recording. Some timing, but managed to have dinner
ready 5 minutes after her arrival. Lovely night on the patio, warm but
with a breeze and low humidity. Dinner was leg of lamb with mustard
and mint, along with carrots, salad, and leftover bok chop & fungi. I
wanted a midweight red that could stand up to the Colmans and mint,
went with the
2005 Filliatreau “La Grande Vignolle” Saumur-Champigny. Served lightly
chilled, just a lovely wine. Black cherries and red plums, a tiny hint
of a Cab Franc herbiness (not greenness, think Figeac), good
concentration. As it warms a little coffee and smoke. Clear but not
sharp acidity, easy light tannins. This has a future, but very tasty
now, not closed at all. A-

Happy night with my wife and my dog (the extra dog for a week was kind
of fun, but we were glad to be back to routine).

* I was surprised how good the takeout crab reheated was. But still
need to do my own softies while available.

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.
*