With some duck breast and polenta, the 2002 Catherine and Claude
Mar=E9chal "Cuv=E9e Gravel" Bourgogne. Seemingly a little thin at first,
then rounds out to a nicely balanced mid-size Bourgogne. Ripe cherry
fruit, a raspberry soda note, with a little earth. What more could you
ask for in a basic Bourgogne, but I confess to being just the slightest
bit disappointed. Simply a case of excess expectations - between the
way I loved previous vintages of this, and the way I was wowwed by
their '02 Savigny VV, I think I just expected too much. A well-done
classic Bourgogne that should have thrilled me left a little flat. If I
take away the excess expectations, this is a nice B+

With some lamb stew and couscous Friday, the 1999 La Chappelle de la
Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan). Elegantly balanced midweight
Bordeaux, some distinct Graves earth and mineral/quartz, leadpencil,
tobacco. Fruit is more red than black, light tannins and moderate
acidity. Clean minerally finish lingers, nice classic claret. I don't
buy a lot of second wines, but this one was a bargain at $20 or so and
is drinking well now. B+/A-


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