No wine Thursday with short-rib hamburgers plus a lentil salad topped with eggplant. Friday we made chicken yakitori, served with rice, salad and the 2013 Foillard Cote du Py Morgon. Black cherry and raspberry, floral notes, a little citrus zest. Tangy, with good length. B+


Then I walked over to Robs, where local wine group was doing Washington State. Rob had a nice setup of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, radishes, etc at a nice outdoor table. Starter was a Gascogne (I guessed Loire SB) called Pajot- grassy, medium bodied, ok acids. B-

On to the blind reds
1- I immediately guessed Syrah (and should have stopped guessing then, as I went downhill). Some oak, a little reduced, dark berry and a little olive. . 2013 Novelty Hill Syrah B+/B

2- No guess from me, my wine (I had planned to bring a '99 Woodward Canyon OV, but couldn't find in cellar). Black cherry, black currant, some earth and floral notes. Good acids. 2013 Cote Bonneville Train Station B/B+

3-Big, ripe, cassis and mocha with a good finish. More international/modern than my preference, but very well done. I guessed Bdx/meritage style blend.. 2012 Powers €œ Champoux Vineyard€� Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills). B

4. Dark berries, sweet, a bit clipped. I thought reduced and guessed Syrah. 2013 Charles and Charles B-/C+

5. Some oak, black fruits and vanilla, modest finish. I guessed Merlot. 2013 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon. B-

6. Some rather raspy tannin, cassis with a touch of green pepper, moderate finish. 2014 Gravel Bar Winery Cabernet Sauvignon B

7. Sweet black plum, cocoa, round and soft. I guessed Merlot. 2014 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon. C+/B-

8. Oops, before we were guessing person who brought realized he had grabbed wrong bottle. Black and red cherry, some herbs, decent balance. 2015 Camp Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma) B

Not the greatest wine night, but some good ones and great fun. I wish we had ended up with more variety rather than CabSauv fest.

Saturday Betsy and a friend went to a ThÃ*ch Nhat Hạnh film in city; meanwhile I sealed driveway (fun!) and then worked on dinner. 3 other friends came to join us, and Betsy and Hasita joined when they got back from city. We started with coppa, salami, olives, and mango/halibut skewers.

2002 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Fresh, biscuits and orange cream, pear fruit, crisp and tasty. B+

Then a broccoli/gorgonzola pie and an arugula/poached fish salad

2013 Beauregard Pouilly-Fuisse
Run of the mill Macon, apple and a touch of flint, ok. B-

Then flatiron steak, broccolini/snow pea/sesame salad, & cauliflower with pimenton and tomato

1995 Ch. Giscours
Black plum, medium bodied, rather plush mouthfeel, a little tobacco. Pleasant, but I would have guessed a midrange St Emilion. B

Finished with ruit salad and coffee cake.

Sunday with grilled corn/fish tacos, the 2015 Loosen Dr L Riesling. Pretty sweet, limeade and melon, but with good acidity to back up. Nothing complex here but great value at $8. B/B-

Monday some friends and their dogs came over for Meatless Monday (soba/tofu and groundcherry/corn), but it was alcohol-free as well.

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.