So after Wednesday's bday dinner party (and driving Betsy to JFK in
the wee hours), I was a bit too tired to think about opening much for
Thursday night. Plenty of leftover brisket, potatoes, etc, so I opened
a half bottle of the 1999 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino.A bit
modern and flashy, but solid core of black cherry fruit and some
lingering notes of leather and spice, just a bit of vanilla. Seemed to
be drinking well now (though maybe not so much in 750). I liked but
did not love, but I was really tired and that might have taken a + off
this for me, B

Yet more leftovers Friday (I worked late), this time with the 2001
Coudoulet de Beaucastel (Cotes du Rhone). Some rumblings this was
past it, not this bottle. Fresh red fruit, leather, herb and a hint of
dung, a ripe Grenachey core but with some acidic spine. What I like in
a Southern Rhone, though not overly complex. B/B+
I think this is fine for several more years, though I'll note it
didn't fare well overnight (very pruney tonight).

Tonight I did pork chops in wine and garlic, red cabbage, and salad.
I thought about dry Riesling,but came up with the 2007*Lafouge*“Les
Meix Chavaux” Meursault*. Nice- quite sweet pear and lemon fruit, but
with a solid line of acidity up the middle. Some floral notes, nuts, a
little edge of oak. Quite good for village level Meursault. Early AM
flight tomorrow, so have to leave most of bottle for Dave. 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.**