In article
>,
DaleW > wrote:

> Last night friends had the hound and I over for dinner (more practice
> for when she stays with them while we're away). Their yard is not
> fenced (and patio table is low enough for Lucy to steal food), so I
> got to practice eating and drinking while holding a leash. Nice
> steaks, squash, and salad (plus another guest brought good stuffed
> mushrooms).
>
> NV Charles Ellner Champagne Brut Reserve
> Macoun apples, aromas of yeast rolls. Nice flavors, midweight, not a
> very "serious" Champagne, but decent deal for $25. B
>
> 2006 Cline Zinfandel (California)
> I have a soft spot for the Cline basic Zin since the 1999 (a great
> value), but it hasn't really measured up since. Straightforward red
> fruit, a little vanilla extract, medium acidity, soft short finish.
> Decent for "give me a glass of anonymous red wine", but not
> particularly Zinny. B-/C+
>
> 2006 Guion "Cuvee Domaine" Bourgueil
> I was picking up a couple of "Cuvee Prestige" wines from this organic
> domaine, decided to try the basic cuvee too. Glad I did. Lovely simple
> (in a good way) Bourgueil. Just straightforward red berry and cherry
> fruit, with time a little smoke and herb emerge. Good acidity, decent
> length, a perfect red to serve cool on a hot night. Doesn't try to do
> anything more than be a nice dinner wine. B/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.

Went to Cline on our way out of Sonoma southward. Was very disappointed
so much so that I wanted to ask for the tasting cost back at $10 a
person. These were not at all what I remembered from days past.