with betsy away and my (quickly healing) injuries, i was the object of
a lot of easter invites. once i decided my face wasn't going to put
people off food, i accepted alex and hilary's as (1) they were closest
and (2) alex was doing lamb (never understood the easter ham- how is
that a sign of spring?).

nice enough to start outside, with a great tapenade from alex's sister
visiting from provence, and the 2009 *Rosa di Fonterenza. 100%
sangiovese pink, medium acidity, good body, fresh cherries, earth, a
little herbal edge. tasty b

counting kids i think 14 at table when we moved inside. we started
with colored eggs - a tapping contest from alex's bulgarian
grandmother, i was out in first round. if i am having hardboiled eggs,
give me homemade mayo every time.

lunch was great garlicky leg of lamb, potatoes, and brussels sprouts

2007 Massamier La Mignarde "Cuvee des Oliviers"
neglected to note appellation (trying not to be too geeky). ripe
fruit, olives, herbs. touch of heat, not real distinctive but ok b-

1983 rausan-segla
lush, plush, perfumed. Solid blacl plum fruit, spice, resolved
tannins,. smooth texture, very good showing a-

wanda had made fresh strawberry tarts, but for me dessert was 1990
prince poniatowski aigle blanc vin de tris vouvray. one of the better
bottles i've had from pp (who apparently is a cousin of alex's).
Auslese sweetness, a little botrytis. apple, apricot, honey, good
acids. b/b+

nice afternoon with friends

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.