I was bone tired Friday after short sleep and long day, luckily we had
tons of leftovers to work my way throught. Dinner was small plates a
la microwave- first a tiny portion of cod steamed in Chinese cabbage
with ginger, some Chinese broccoli, then chicken in soy, and some
Swiss chard. I managed to open 2 wines (to share with a friend
picking up from a communal buy)

2007 Boxler Riesling (Alsace)
I guess this is estate fruit, as it says "propreitaire viticulteur."
If this was German I'd expect it to be labeled halbtrocken, there's
just a hint of RS. Clean, appley, with some mineral and petrol notes
in background. Not very long, but a pleasant enough wine. But this was
over $20, and I think there's a premium for the Boxler name that might
be deserved for the single vineyard/lot coded bottles, but not sure
for this. B/B-

2006 Havens Merlot Reserve (Carneros)
Part of the Havens bankruptcy fallout, this was under $15 all in. Lots
of vanilla, some tannin, not super appealing at first. But good
acidity for Cali merlot, big black plum and berry fruit, nice length.
As night goes on the vanilla oak notes fade a bit, I like a tad more.
Tonight (night 2) oak is almost unnoticable, though there's a little
barnyard poop I didn't notice before. But I'm not a poop-averse guy,
so a solid B, and a good deal at the price. I think all of the
blowouts on this are gone, though I'm sure K&L's deal on regular
merlot is good if you're local ($7)

More leftovers tonight (Betsy in Boston), some veal and spaghetti,
veggie fried rice, long beans. I try both of the previous night's
wines, but also the 2005 Ferrando Carema (white label). I actually
chose it from laziness, a generous gift from Oswaldo, easier to open
than go downstairs.
I quite like this, a little reticent at first, but some floral notes
and solid cherry fruit. With air and food it really begins to shine:
bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, earth, a little smoke. Lovely
Nebbiolo on the lighter side, I'll be getting some of this. 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.**