Betsy was playing the River to River series last few nights, but I
managed to taste several wines alone or with friends:

2006 “La Grande Vignole” Saumur-Champigny
Rain kept me from grilling for Dave and I, but this went well with
some broiled porterhouses. Nice midweight Cab Franc, pure juicy black
cherry fruit, some earth, coffee, and just a hint of herbs, but
nothing green or vegetal. A bit less tannic than the '05, but
certainly no lack of structure.
This is the unfiltered version, I know in '05 they made both. Nice
length, very good wine that I wish I had bought more of. B++

The rain cleared and I went to some friends. They had bought the house
next to theirs (because zoning would have let owners expand, partially
blocking their views), and turned it into a 2 family. They finally
finished the 2nd half, and had a small party to enjoy all their work
before they rented it today. Beautiful patio, with a stunning view of
the river and the Palisades, we enjoyed a remarkable sunset as well
as:

NV Pinon Touraine Brut Rose
I just love this stuff. Totally dry,but with sweet strawberry fruit
framed with a drop of Angostura bitters and toast. Bright acidity,
fresh, clean, yum. A-

2006 Blackstone Merlot
Soft sweet black plum and berry fruit, low acids, some light tannins.
Not very interesting, but not as bad as some Cal Merlots. C+/B-

I skipped the white Zin.

2005 Valdehermoso Roble “Terruno Hombre" (Ribera del Duero)
Very ripe red fruit, low acids, some vanillay oak. Not for me, but
probably the most popular wine of the night among the others. Have one
more bottle, will save for a big group. C+ for me

2006 Pepiere (Ollivier) "Clos des Briords" Muscadet
Lovely, long , and lively. Open and giving. Fresh citrus fruit, saline
and chalk notes, excellent finish. A-/B+

Last night I put a lemon and spiced rubbed Cornish gamehen on the
grill, and opened the 2001 de Courcel "Grand Clos des Epenots" Pommard
1er. While '01 is a great vintage on CdN, it's a lot spottier in the
CdBeaune. But this is showing very nicely, if a tad restrained. Still
some tannins, rich dark fruit, some mushroom/truffle notes, very good
length. There's some lead pencil on finish, a tasty wine probably
drunk a little too soon. B+/A-

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.*