Ah, post-Christmas. Wednesday we had leftover seafood stew, with a half bottle of the 2010 Matrot Bourgogne. Well-done, medium bodied, good acids, good length. B/B+

Thursday was leftovers from Christmas day (beef and capon), with the 1997 Falesco Montiano (Lazio). Low-acids, plummy, a bit of ashtray, this is fading, shows older than adjacent vintages. B-

Friday was Asian short ribs and choy sum, with the 2009 Les Fouques (Cotes de Provence) red. Cherries and raspberries, a touch of herb, light bodied for a Provencal red. Pretty good. B

Saturday’s appetizer wine was the 2008 Trapet Riesling (Riquewirhr, Alsace). Sec-tendre, peach and pear fruit, mid-bodied. B

Main course was a macaroni and cheese with pancetta, wine was the 2009 Fuligni “Ginestreto” Rosso di Montalcino. Smooth, red fruits, a little vanilla, not especially recognizable as Sangiovese to me, soft, a bit short. B-/C+

Sunday we had arranged a family dinner at Betsy’s sister, they were away over Christmas and this was an opportunity for them to be with Dave and Mary Kate. We carried over some Spanish cheeses and olive, Cal made calamari, orange/fennel salad, paella, & green beans. Some wines:

2008 Pena das Donas “Almalarga” Godello (Ribeira Sacra)
A hint of spritz, very full-bodied, citrus and peach with a flinty finish, very good length, very nice wine. B+/A-

1998 La Rioja Alta “904” Rioja Gran Reserva
Sweet red fruits, an almost Dujacish exotic cedar meets sandalwood note that gets more cigarboxy with time. Lovely, elegant wine. A-

2008 Palicios “Petalos”
Used in a sangria, agreeable if slightly internationalized wine. B/B-

NV Yalumba “Museum Reserve” Muscat (Rutherglen)
Thick, toffee and mocha, dense, ok acids. B-

New Year’s Eve Betsy made a stirfry with some fresh rice noodles as well as some fried tofu with lemon, wine was the 2007 R. Haart Piesporter Goldtropchen Riesling Kabinett. White pit fruits, lime zest, long and balanced. On sweeter side of Kabinett (at least by old standards), big but with some litheness and grace. Very very good. B+/A-

Later we went a couple of blocks to a small party, there were shrimp tacos, nachoes, smoked salmon canapes, and brandade, sampled a couple of wines
2011 Leitz Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spatlese
Slate and lime, moderate acids, sweetness is a bit more than my preference, good wine that just use just a touch more snap, but I like it . B

2000 Ellner “Cuvee Prestige” Champagne Brut
Toasty, fresh apples and brioche, nutty. B/B+

On New Years I cheated a bit, substituting Good Mother Stollard runner beans for the blackeyed peas, but faithfully made my collards; I also made a mango salsa, Betsy made tortilla chips plus made some incredible shrimp wontons. Dave and MK joined us

NV Bremont Rose Champagne
Full, yeasty, bright cherrry and lime fruit, excellent length. A-/B+

2005 Feudo Montoni “Vrucara “ Nero d'Avola
Raspberries and black cherries, moderate acid and tannin, some coffee and earth notes. Enjoyable, smooth, and long. 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.