Last night we held a small dinner party to celebrate some good friendss 30th anniversary next week. With some baba ganoush, the NV Roederer Estate. I had planned a Champagne but someone had brought this to our 4th party, so decided to give a try. Pretty crisp, green apple with bread dough, very credible for a Cali sparkler that isnt pricey. B

We sat down to an amuse of mushroom/madeira soup followed by a first course of lobster & scallop risotto.

1990 Stony Hill Chardonnay
This I had put out as a throwaway for the 4th (as previous bottle was very advanced) and it was never opened. Actually, this showed very well. This I had put out as a throwaway for the 4th (as previous bottle was very advanced) and it was never opened. Actually, this showed very well if not especially complex. Apple and white pit fruits, good acids, just the slightest hint of nuttiness. B/B+

2013 Paul Pillot "Pitangerets" St. Aubin 1er
Fresh, pear and white nectarine, a light touch of vanillin oak, good if not especially long. B

Main was some marinated lamb leg I grilled, served a yogurt sauce, squash with zaatar, and salad. 2 wines to celebrate their anniversary

1986 Ch. Gruaud Larose
Very good showing. Powerful, masculine, with rich cassis fruit accented with leather and cigarbox. Some tobacco with air. Long and young. A-

1986 Ch. LArrosee
So pretty, ready to go. Black plum with mocha, plush and inviting. B+/A-

We moved to the patio for chocolate mousse with raspberries (just the berries for me) and I enjoyed re-visiting each wine- even the Stony Hill was holding up. Fun night.
There was also a "86 Meyney for backup, not needed so I sent that home with the couple

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.