I realize that Betsy and I are a little (ok, a lot) over the top about our
Basset Hound. Monday marked a year since we got her, and we were going to
celebrate her 2nd birthday (we got her from a Basset rescue league, she was
probably 9-10 months at the time, but this was best we could do). Sunday Betsy
had invited a bunch of Lucy's doggie friends over, and a good time was had by
Lucy, 2 Jack Russells, a Corgi, a Golden Retriever, and a good old American
mutt (there was a Yorkie too, but he couldn't hang loose enough and had to go
home). While the dogs gamboled, the owners had a good time too. Betsy put out a
nice hors d'oeuvres tray, especially the olive/cheese/curry canapes. The wines
we
2002 Petit Chapeau Chardonnay (VdP d'Oc) - ok cheapie Chard, apple fruit. I
wasn't sure if there was some light TCA here- I kept getting whiffs of must- so
I won't rate.
2002 Clavel Le Mas ( Coteaux du Languedoc ) ripe easy Southern wine, ripe red
fruit, some earth and leather, appealing if not especially exciting. B

After the doggies went home, Betsy and I enjoyed a nice dinner. She had made
duck legs in a pinot noir sauce. Store was out of Rex Goliath, so she used the
2002 Camelot California Pinot Noir . Simple cherry fruit, too much oak for
this light wine, short finish. Acceptable as a cooking wine at $7, but the Rex
Goliath and the Lindemans Bin Whatever provided more Pinot character at that
pricerange. C+
But the duck was excellent nonetheless, and we enjoyed a 375 of the 1999
Jean-Noel Gagnard "Morgeot" Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru rouge. Classic
Burgundy, medium-bodied, deep red fruit, with notes of earth, spice, and
mushrooms. B+/A-

On Monday, the dog party continued. Two couples who rank among Lucy's favorite
people came over for dinner. With mozzarella boccioni and olives, the 2003
Cairnbrae "The Stones" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. As always, a winner. "Fill
my tank with grapefruit, and top it off with gooseberries, please." Nice
herbal/jalapeno edge on the finish. B+

The main course was ribeyes with some blue cheese (Roaring 40s) on top, served
over arugula with baked potatoes and sauteed escarole on the side. The wine?
The 2001 Muldenbosch "Faithful Hound". We toasted Lucy, and faithful hounds
everywhere, with the hope they'd all find a forever home. The wine was a decent
Bordeaux-style blend, dark plum and cassis fruit in a fairly low-acid
framework. Some ripe tannins, moderate oak. OK, don't rush back for more ($20),
unless you're toasting a faithful hound. 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. *
Dale

Dale Williams
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