Wednesday was Dave's last time before returning to St Andrews, his mom
made one of his favorites, beef stroganoff. I've decided light reds
are my favorites with this, so opened the 2004 La Casaccia "Casa
Poggeto" Grignolino del Monferrato. I only had a small glass as I was
taking a group out that night, but it was a lovely one. Cherry and
raspberry
fruit, a little herb, bright, light. A glass with a snack after my
return shows a little more weight, a little tar and earth. Very nice
wine. Another half-glass on next evening is still going strong. B+

I was a bit tired Thursday, but in charge of dinner as Betsy returned
from taking Dave to airport. I got some lemon sole and made a sole
Meuniere variation with Meyer lemon, plus squash in a mint/honey
sauce.Accompanied with a "Chinese iceberg salad"* and the 2006 Clos
Roche Blanche " Numero 5" Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. This is one year
where I have a real preference for the #5 to the #2. This is a rich
graperuit-driven Sancerre lookalike, with body, chalky mineral notes,
and a long finish. Just a hint of grass, a lovely full-bodied style of
SB. B+/A-

* we actually had this salad several nights:
http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/reci...ipe.asp?id=359
quite tasty, but the Szechwan peppercorns wreak havoc with wine
tasting!

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