On Jun 16, 9:30�am, DaleW > wrote:
> Assorted wines over the last 4 days:
>
> 2005 Peyrabon (Haut-Medoc), from 375 ml
> Decent midweight, seems more Right Bank than Medoc- I would have
> guessed Merlot with the dark plum fruit and� round texture. A little
> bit of spicy oak, tannins are a little obtrusive, could probably use a
> little time. B
>
> 1998 Clos du Marquis (St Julien)
> With lamb kebabs, and a green salad with mango. Fully mature, some
> cedar and earth, black fruit a bit on the thin side. Better nose than
> on palate, finish is a bit short. Some 1998 Medocs have made me
> rethink my aversion to the vintage on that bank, but this isn't a
> particularly strong effort. I do enjoy this, but it's ok rather than
> special, and if I cellar something from 7-8 years I'm hoping for
> special. B/B-
>
> 2006 Pazo Pondal Albarino (Rias Baixas)
> Good acidity, clean, no sign of oak. Lemon, Granny smith apples, a
> little peach. Nice apertif, but not much in the way of complexity,
> depth, or length. Good summer quaffer, but not one of the more
> riveting Albarinos. B
>
> 2005 Huber-Verdereau " Les Robardelles " Volnay
> With buffalo hot dogs, sauteed ramps with bacon, and asparagus. Nice
> if slightly muted nose, opens up to a pleasant melange of red plums
> and berries, with a little chocolate and smoke. Palate is a little
> austere on night one, nice cherry fruit and clean acids but a bit
> dominated by the tannins. No wood evident. Nice if restrained. On
> night 2 it has opened its robes and shows what's underneath, a lovely
> midweight Volnay with earth, black cherry, smoke, and plums vying for
> dominance. Bright acids, tannins have integrated, lovely wine. Will
> revisit in 5 years. Never had this domaine before, a good argument for
> trusting a� store (I ordered this because Woodland Hills carried it,
> for me WHWC is to Burgundy as Chambers St is to Loire, Beaujolais or
> Piedmont: if they carry it, probably good). A-/B+
>
> 2004 Fontodi Chianit Classico
> With bistecca alla Fiorentina , beans, squash, and a salad. Meaty,
> substantial Chianti. Big fresh and dried cherry, floral nose, rich.
> Good acidity, ripe tannins that work well with the steak. Good length,
> a little leather develops with time. Gets warmer and lusher with air. B
> +
>
> And a little (off-topic, a bit mawkish) side note re Father's Day.
> Betsy left Saturday to record a Beethoven Piano Trio in Michigan. She
> left behind a couple of nice gifts from Lucy (yes, we're the kind of
> people who refer to our dog's "mom" and "dad", sorry). David finished
> his term in Scotland a couple of weeks, but has been in Copenhagen
> with his dad and family. I picked him up at JFK Sunday afternoon. He
> talked to his mom by phone,wished me a happy Father's Day. He asked if
> it was ok if he went out with a friend rather than have dinner at
> home. The thing is, the friend in question didn't go to her planned
> college this year. She was hospitalized with anorexia. She was leaving
> today, and last night was only chance to see her. One thing I love
> about Dave is he has stuck by a couple of friends who have had hard
> times. �He was a super popular kid (I can't tell you how thrilled we
> were when he was voted "best hair" in his senior class!!!) but never
> ignored those who were less popular. To me , having a good kid (even
> if step) is the best gift for Father's Day.
>
> 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.

Dale,
Thanks for the notes and the personal insight on David. I have
three great kids also who at ages 31, 26 and 21 continue to give me
joy....not to mention beautiful grandkids!