Friday Betsy made a roasted duck (actually a rarity in our house,
while I call her "the duck queen" she usually does either legs or
breast), plus mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. I opened a bottle
of the 2001 Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny. This was too cold at first, and
showing nothing tart cough syrup cherry. But it opened dramatically in
glass. Rich red and black cherry fruit, copious earthy notes, nice
length and concentration. I haven't had this in several years, but
living up to the promise it had at release. Gets better and better
through night. Great for level. A-

Today David came home from college, and we had him (and his
girlfriend, home from McGill) for dinner. Betsy made a beef jantaboon
(spicy Asian stew with fresh rice noodles), and we had a little winter
solstice reading of Wendell Berry and Walt Whitman. Wine was the 2006
Breton "Franc de Pied" Bourgueil. Lively acidity, dark berry fruit, a
little tobacco leaf. A little more tannic than I expected. Good
spiciness with time, nice food friendly wine, but think I'll revisit
in couple years. 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
*