On Mar 29, 1:30*pm, DaleW > wrote:
> Sunday Betsy got me ticket to "Monodramas" (3 pieces, by Schoenberg,
> John Zorn, and Morton Feldman, all challenging, mostly non-narrative,
> and all interesting); we stopped at Fairway for steaks. We grilled
> those and some asparagus, served with potatoes and *braised collards
> and bok choy. Wine was the 2002 Fougas Maldoror (Cotes du Bourg). Big
> structured wine, surprising depth of fruit for RB 02, solid plums and
> cassis under a pretty hefty mantle of oak. Enjoyed with the steak, not
> so much solo. Revisited with our guests Monday, I liked better then,
> oak more integrated, no hurry on this one. B
>
> I switched to the 2004 Schmitt Wagner "Longuicher Maximiner
> Herrenberg" Riesling Kabinett. Nice lighter styled wine, perfect for
> apertif (or in this case digestif). Apples, slate, soft. Maybe could
> have used just a bit more acidic grip. But quite pleasant, holds well
> overnight (Betsy and I tried while she was cooking Monday). B/B+
>
> Friends and their dog came for dinner Monday, mushroom risotto,
> broccoli, and an arugula/daikon sprout salad. We sampled an
> assortment:
>
> 2009 Cantarranas Reuda*
> The cooking wine. Light, grassy, I was sure this had a SB component,
> but label says 60% Verdejo 40% Viura. Not much depth, not much length,
> but it was not much money ($5). B-/C+
>
> 2008 Arnoux-Lachaux "Pinot Fin" Bourgogne
> This is the Estate formerly known as *Robert Arnoux. Ripe and fleshy
> midweight, a hint of oak, cherry and raspberry and a little mushroom.
> On the Cali PN side of Burgundy, but tasty.B
>
> 2006 Havens Syrah (Napa)
> This was one of the closeout deals after Havens closed. $13, but less
> of a deal that some other bottlings. Dark berry fruit, tannins, some
> oak, a bit of brett. Short and harsh finish. Others liked much more
> than I did. C+
>
> 2009 Gysler Scheurebe Halbtrocken
> Light, floral, fresh fruit cocktail flavors though just a hint of
> sweetness. No profundity here, plenty of pleasure. 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.

Thanks for the notes on the Arnoux-Lachaux. Arnoux's wines have
always had a "fleshy" side and I'm glad that the wines are staying
true to the house style.