Friday we headed to Atlanta, making an unplanned stop in Macon (which
doesn't appear to have commercial service!) but eventually arriving
very late. A quick visit to my mom in hospital, then a Whopper at
midnight, sans vino. Saturday we had dinner with my dad, I grilled
some beef tenderloin and squash while Betsy prepared green beans and
tomatoes, we opened the 2008*A to Z Pinot Noir (Oregon). Pleasant,
light, innocuous, nothing to see here folks move along. B-/C+

Sunday night we visited at my brother's, he had us order in from club,
and gave me a tour of his new wine room. He's not a geek, but is on a
couple of lists, and so far his cellar is primarily Kistler and
Benovia. I was having meatloaf, but told him I was only having a
glass, so he opened a Chardonnay since that's what my SiL prefers. The
2006 Kistler "Vine Cliff" Chardonnay is a big wine, sweet tropical
fruit surrounded by lots of new oak. Creamy, sweet, this is a bit much
for me, though it is possible the oak will integrate with time. B- for
now

Monday we flew back (couple legs), I went to work for a bit, and then
home to walk with hound to some friends' for dinner. Baba ganoush,
broiled tomatoes, pasta with pesto, chicken, salad. And some wine:

2004 Domaine Carneros Brut
I'm not a big fan of CA bubbly, but this was crisp and refreshing-
apples and citrus, a hint of unbaked dough, lively. Not very long or
complex, but a nice summer apertif. B

2007 Roulot Bourgogne
Really showing like a nice Meursault, broad white fruit with hazelnut
and damp earth, good acidity to balance, nice length. B+

1998 Casisano Colombaio*Brunello*di Montalcino
Soft, easygoing, maybe resembling a maturing CCR from a ripe vintage
more than a BdM. Red fruit, leather, a hint of sweat. Pleasant. B/B-

Nice to be home with good friends and good dogs.

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.**