Over 4 days, the 2009 Leitz Rudesheimer Klosterlay Kabinett showed
very well. Pale and bright with a slight hint of spritz, green apples
and lime, slatey mineral notes. Nice length. Moderately sweet, but no
more than I find appropriate for Rheingau kabinett. Nice value
($12.75). B+

A broken water main convinced me that leftovers were best option
Saturday, accompanied by the 2007 Filliatreau "Grande Vignolle" Saumur-
Champigny. Nice fresh crunch red fruits, a little tobacco leaf. solid
acidity, light tannins. Maybe not quite the depth of the '05, but a
solid and friendly
Cabv Franc. B/B+

Sunday was grilled skirt steak with broccoli as well as green beans in
a balsamic vinaigrette. with the 2006 Haven Bourriquot (from 375 ml).
Dark fruits, moderate tannins, ok acidity, some horse sweat and earth.
Shows it's Napa-ness,but not over the top. B

David is home for a week, as he won't see Thanksgiving in Scotland, we
decided to do a T'giving dinner, and invited some friends of our he is
fond of to join us (as well as his girlfriend). We had bubbly as an
aperitif and into first course (a great squash soup with a bit of
andouille). The NV Gosset "Excellence" Brut Champagne is on the full
side of the spectrum, creamy texture, fresh apple pie aromas, good
finish. Bright acidity keeps it light on toes for a big bubbly. Fine
mousse. I tend to lean towards the lighter end of Champagne, but this
is a fine example of a fuller-framed NV. B+/A-

Then on to capon, sage dressing, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
For an American "holiday" seemed a good time to open an American wine
that had been staring at me for couple of months. The 2007 Bookster
Pinot Noir (Sonoma) was just not my style, though quite popular with
at least 2 people. Thick, sweet, this needs more acid. More
appropriate as a pancake topping than wine. OK, a bit of an
exaggeration, but thick is not a positive word when describing Pinot
for me. C+

The 2009 Coquelet Beaujolais-Villages is better, though it surprises
me by being fairly ripe as well. This is the first 2009 Beaujolais
I've had where I thought just a little less fruit-forwardness might be
appropriate/appealing. This reminds me a bit of some of the 2003
Beaujolais, which all of the people who didn't usually like Beaujolais
found so appealing. But still, much more structure and interest than
the Bookster. Very ripe cherries, earth, a tiny hint of merde/poop.
With a little time in glass I appreciate more. Not bad at all, but
maybe not a re-buy for me in a vintage so strong across the board in
the region. 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.*