Last night we had dinner on the patio, with David and a friend. Flank
steak in an Asian marinade with zucchini (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/
fullpage.html?
res=980DEEDF1531F932A25755C0A96E9C8B63&scp=5&sq=&s t=nyt ) , Cambodian
style corn, and a salad. Recipe was billed as a pairing for Malbec,
but I wanted something lighter to serve cool, and opened the 2007
Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny (CSW called this the ""Printemps"
bottling, but I didn't see that on label. though I didn't really
search). One of those times where a simple not-very-complex wine just
sails down the lane for a strike. Pretty light cherry and raspberry
fruit, good but not screeching acids, just enough tannin for the beef
but otherwise almost invisible. Fresh and juicy. A light spiciness to
the wine blended well with the 5 spice and ginger in the marinade.
Simple but just what was needed. B/B+ for the wine, but an A for the
match,.

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.
*