On Aug 18, 9:26*am, DaleW > wrote:
> Betsy made a summer version of the old Le Cirque pasta primavera
> Monday, served with the 2008 Edmunds St John "Bone Jolly" Gamay rose.
> A variety of red fleshed fruits- cherries, strawberries, watermelon-
> but more centered on some mineral and herb notes. Refreshing, no signs
> of reduction in my bottle, clean. B+
> *
> Yesterday was Dave's 22nd, and we had his girlfriend, another couple
> of his friends, his aunt, and his cousins over for dinner. She tried
> to make some of David's favorite foods while paying attention to
> other's eating habits. As people arrived, we had out a simple *platter
> with soppresata, hummus, cheese, etc. Just before we sat down I
> planned on *a quick toast, with some cava I had sent to NH with Betsy
> that wasn't used. Except when I opened something red came out-
> apparently when I made her concert week goodie box I had mistaken a
> Lambrusco for a Cava with a similar dark label. Too bad I didn't have
> out with the soppresata! NV Venturini Baldini "Roncolo"*Lambrusco. Off-
> dry, pretty froth, blackberry jam and red plum. Simple and easy. B/B-
>
> First course was lobster rolls, with the 2008 Savary "Fourchaume"
> Chablis 1er Cru. Nice hefty Chablis, apples, lemon, and chalk, classic
> and appealing. B+
>
> Main course was a stroganoff salad, basically a room temp version of
> beef stroganoff (but Betsy made a large bowl to which she didn't add
> the grilled skirt steak as we had 4 non beef eaters) along with an
> absolutely smashing vegetable torta (squash, eggplant, asiago, tomato,
> etc) and
> salad.
>
> 1988 Ch. Hortevie (St Julien)
> I had a backup (R-Segla), but this was surprisingly dark and fresh
> looking as decanted. I was worried it would show it's age, but it had
> handled 22 years well. The issue was not age but just complexity- this
> was quite foursquare and lacking charm. Good dark cassis fruit, still
> some tannins, but rather short and lacking in the development would
> would want from mature St. Julien. If you served blind and told me a
> 6-10 year old Bordeaux AC would have seemed reasonable. C+/B-
>
> 2008 Guion "Cuvee Domaine"
> A nice sloppy kiss of a wine, fruit forward and easy going, fresh red
> fruits, good acidity, earthy with air. B/B+
>
> Betsy's sister brought a carrot cake, and we also enjoyed the
> 1988 Jos. Christoffel Jr. *Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*.
> Applesauce, peach, herbs (one young lady thought it was distinctly
> dill, I was getting a greener toned herb more tarragonish), petrol,
> light hints of botrytis. Nice pleasant wine, but I'd have appreciated
> a bit more acidity (the few '88s I've had before had good zip) and a
> little more minerality or complexity to finish. Still, holding well
> and no sign of downturn. B
>
> Not a standout night for wine, but nice to share the time with Dave
> and family and friends who love him.
>
> 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.*

Dale, What is your overall impression of 2008 white burgs and Chablis
in particular. I haven't tasted many so far and I have the
opportunity to buy some Fevre and Brocard at good prices. I also have
a good "in" for 2008 O. Leflaive, Louis Latour, Matrot and Morey-
Coffinet but hesitate buying without tasting or opinions.