Wednesday we had salmon and quinoa; as I was driving later into city
to take a group of CUNY med students around, I only had a couple of
sips with dinner. Leftover Laurent CdNV was pleasant and holding
nicely, I also tried an ounce or two of the 2000 Domaine Emilian
Gillet * "Quintaine" Macon-Villages that Betsy had opened the previous
night for cooking. Superripe tropical nose, but dear god is this awful
with the salmon. I tried again on Thursday, better by itself, still
lively on day 3, with sweet mango and floral elements, unidentifiable
to me as Chardonnay, but interesting. B-

Betsy mentioned Wed that she was sad she didn't have time to make
brisket (we usually observe the first night of Passover recipe wise if
not ceremonially). So when it was my turn to cook Thursday, I picked
up a brisket (and some gelfite fish, and matzo ball mix). I wanted a
little sweetness in the sauce, so added some Tokaji with the onions,
carrots, etc. I wanted a wine with a bit of sweetness to counter, and
went with the 2005 Andrew's Vat "Alder Ridge*" Syrah (Columbia
Valley). This is a Zachys "exclusive" that I got as part of a blowout
recently. Blackberries and black cherries, a little vanilla, some dark
chocolate. Low acids, moderate ripe tannins, big sweet fruit. Not a
style I'm enamored of, but a decent well-made wine. B-

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.
*