TN: Sunday afternoon by the river
 

Sunday was a glorious day, sunny and 78=B0. Some friends had invited us
to a picnic by the river. As we arrived they were finishing reading the
names of the victims of 9/11, a bit sobering as we used to be able to
see the twin towers from the park - cause for reflection.

Marc and Annabelle had brought a nice spread, and Marc fired up one of
the grill boxes. He grilled sirloin, filet, and corn; we also had an
assortment of cured meats and pate, green salad, and potato salad. 4
couples altogether, and some kids having a ball. Marc had brought an
assortment of 2000 Bordeaux:

2000 La Croix de Beaucaillou (St-Julien)
Most open of the three, I guessed this was Right Bank at first. Black
plum fruit that seems more Merlot to me, a light hint of cedary oak. A
little violet/floral note. Medium bodied. B

2000 Ch. Gloria (St-Julien)
Pretty tight at first. Cassis fruit peeking out behind some tannins and
acidity. With a little time there's some tobacco and cigarbox. This is
an awkward time to drink this, but a nice wine in hiding. B+

2000 Ch. Maucaillou (Moulis)
This seems to be most folks' favorite, but not mine. Surprisingly oaky,
there's a burnt-vanilla/oak overlay that I don't enjoy. Medium-body,
modest cassis fruit and a rather short finish. Probably an awkward time
to consume, but I can't get past the oaky notes. A generous B-, just
because I've liked Maucaillou in the past.

A bit hard to believe that it's been four years since 9/11/01. A bit
sobering for the adults, but to the kids (mostly quite young) it's
immaterial- they just knew it was a glorious day, And they got the
adults to forget too- as we got caught in their watefight. The sunshine
sparkling on the water, and the ducks quite literally in a row.

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.

DaleW wrote:

> 2000 Ch. Maucaillou (Moulis)
> This seems to be most folks' favorite, but not mine. Surprisingly oaky,
> there's a burnt-vanilla/oak overlay that I don't enjoy. Medium-body,
> modest cassis fruit and a rather short finish. Probably an awkward time
> to consume, but I can't get past the oaky notes. A generous B-, just
> because I've liked Maucaillou in the past.

That's sad news to hear. I wonder if it signals at change at the chateau?

>
> A bit hard to believe that it's been four years since 9/11/01. A bit
> sobering for the adults, but to the kids (mostly quite young) it's
> immaterial- they just knew it was a glorious day, And they got the
> adults to forget too- as we got caught in their watefight. The sunshine
> sparkling on the water, and the ducks quite literally in a row.

Yes. As it happened, we scheduled Baby Andrew's first birthday party
for Sunday. I was relieved -- and surprised -- to realize after the
party that 9/11 had not come up in conversation within my hearing.
Perhaps this is the magic of youth, to help adults forget their woes at
least for a while...

Mark Lipton

I hope that Andrew (and you and Jean) enjoyed his party. Happy Birthday
Andrew!