Friday we got a pretty good snowfall in afternoon, but it had slowed
by evening when I drove to JFK to pick up David. But airport was a
mess, and it was about 11 when we returned home for a late dinner.
Betsy had prepared one of Dave's faves, beef and spinach in an Asian-
esque broth, over udon. We all enjoyed a glass of the 2005 Ch.
Peybonhomme les Tours (1er Cotes de Blaye). Lighter claret, but with
decent concentration and length. Fresh acidity, light tannins, cassis
and plums, a little cedary note. Not exciting, but an honest and
straightforward Bordeaux, hard to find those at $12. B

Saturday was a busy workday interspersed with some shopping, Betsy
made cioppino with lobster, squid, shrimp, and some cherrystones;
roasted potatoes and haricots verts were the side. The 2007 Il Conte
Pinot Grigio (Veneto) was the cooking wine. But tasty enough to use as
an apertif, clean if light pear and stone fruits, no sign of oak,
balanced acidity, fresh. Fine for $7. B-

Main wines was the *2007 Colle*Stefano*Verdicchio di Matelica. As
before, I really enjoyed this. Bright acidity (maybe the tiniest hint
of spritz?), honeydew, lemon, and yellow apple flavors, a little earth
and hazelnut. Good length, concentration, holds one's interest. The
stew was spicy enough to be a difficult match, but this did ok. Nice
wine. 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.