Last night we joined some friends for a "table d'hote" dinner, a farm-
to-table themed evening put together by 2 other friends.

First course was canapes, Hudson Valley goat cheese on baguette with
thyme, served with a fizzy, the 2008 Vincent Careme "Cuvee T" Vouvray.
Appley, fresh, crisp, slightly coarse mousse, but I quite liked this. B
+

Next was a Shinnecock Bay scallop carpaccio, over salad with a nice
citrus and pink peppercorn dressing. Wine was the 2009 Haut Lavigne
(Cotes de Duras). Someone thought it oaky, but I thought no sign of
oak at all- I think it was the Semillon's roundness that fooled them.
A hint of grass, moderate acidity, a little fuller than a previous
vintage of this. OK competitor for base level Bordeaux blanc. B-

Main was Hudson Valley venison stew with noodles, along with the 2006
Domaine des 2 Anes *Fontanilles (Languedoc). Red and black berry
fruit, a little brett, but well within my tolerance level. Meaty. B

Of course I had also brought a couple of things. Since Fred was doing
"natural wines" I brought along a bottle of the IX (2009) Marcel
Lapierre Raisins Gaulois (Vin de France) in honor of the godfather of
natural wine. Bright, fresh, grapey/berry notes, lively. Not complex,
but tasty. B

Since Fred and Alex had both been away for my recent b'day event, I
decided I should bring a mature Bdx for them this night. I double-
decanted the 1979 Domaine de Chevalier in advance. As always, a great
bottle for the price. Cassis and red fruits, loads of tobacco, a
little leather. Fresh, balanced acids, resolved tannins, drinking
beautifully. A-

There was also a bottle of the 2006 Henri Milan (Provence- I didn;t
get actual appellation, saw bottle briefly) - a big hit with others,
but I found a little ungainly. Big fruit, some slightly raspy tannins,
not my fave. B-/C+

There was also pears poached in red wine. Fun night, though it got a
bit loud at end.

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.*