Thread: TN: Labor Day weekend wines, running the gamut

With the lobster glut, we've gotten used to $4-5 lb sales for chicks,
but lately Fairway has had $6/lb for larger ones, so Saturday I got a
4-pounder. Served with melted butter, corn, tomato salad and the 2007
Au Bon Climat "Bien Nacido" Chardonnay. The lobster was better than
the wine- I think of ABC as more vibrant than most CalChards, but
while this did have some good acidity, I thought the sweet canned
tropical fruit element approached cloying. C+

We decided to have our Labor Day party on Sunday instead of Monday, a
bit smaller than usual, but still about 3 dozen folks. Betsy made
fried chicken, sweet potato/scallion salad, roasted pepper salad, and
guacamole. I was in charge of bulgogi hanger steak, bluefish
Dijonnais. mango salsa, & hot dogs. We had a large platter of goat,
leftovers from a party Dave had previous afternoon, with tortillas and
salsa. Others brought a huge assortment of desserts, salads, chicken
wings, deviled eggs, etc. A perfect day- clear, low humidity, mid 70s
with a light breeze. And, of course, some wine:

Pinks

NV Clos Boutes "Le Pluriel" Rose
Strawberries, grass, clean and straightforward, not especially complex
but a great apertif. B

2009 Ch. Bellevue La Foret (Fronton)
Strawberries, red cherries, a dose of RS (though marketed as dry).
Very herby. B-

2009 Guion Rose
Spice and red fruit, my favorite rose of the day. B/B+

Whites
2008 Luneau-Papin "Pierre Blanches" Muscadet
I thought this was corked at first, then decided ok. Saline, citrus,
good length, a bit mute- still not 100% sure on this one. NR

1992 Hans Wirsching Iphofer Julius-Echter-Berg Silvaner Spatlese
Trocken (Franconia)
I decanted this so bottle wouldn't give away, blinded John D with it.
His first guess was Alsace Riesling (not bad guess), he quickly got
Silvaner once I said it wasn't Riesling. Very floral with petrol
nuances, good length, mineral, not at all tired. Not especially deep
or complex, but nice mature wine at a bargain price. B+

2008 Domaine de Gioielli Blanc de Blancs Sec (Coteaux du Cap Corse)
I believe John said this was Vermentino. Herby, rich, good acidity,
medium body. B/B+

2009 Clos Roche Blanche "#2" Sauvignon (Touraine)
Larger framed vintage of this wine,but still a good acidic backbone.
Orange zest, citrus with a hint of just mowed grass. B+

2008 Willi Schaefer Riesling QbA
Fresh, light, vibrant, green apples with a little limeade, delicious
basic estate wine. B++

Reds
2008 Sandro Fay Rosso di Valtellina
I've generally quite a fan of this,and have liked this vintage, but
this seemed a bit dull- red fruit, a little hint of tar, but a touch
clipped. This bottle a B-/C+

2008 Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages
Surprisingly rich, medium bodied with good fruit and acids,and a touch
of tannin. B/B+

1971 Anforia Barolo
My last of these from an unknown producer. A fair dose of VA, hint of
brett, but underneath there's a real red fruit meets newly tarred road
Baroloness. Divisive wine. For me, B

NV Marietta Lot 51 Old Vine Red Wine
After some unimpressive lots, this is what I used to like about the
Marietta. Juicy, fresh, forward, happy go lucky wine. B

2008 Guion "Cuvee Domaine" Bourgueil
Didn't take notes but I liked, as always!

Sweet
1982 Freemark Abbey Edelwein Gold
Dark, thick, reminds one of a TBA. Caramel, toffee, butterscotch.
Rich, deep, long. Great stuff, thanks John! A-/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.*