Sunday we celebrated Lucy the Basset's 5th birthday. She was a rescue
dog, and probably only 9 months when we got her, but best we can do is
go with anniversary of her arrival with her "forever family."

We had a birthday tea, with chips, mango salsa, tomatillo guacamole,
sausage, cheese, and peach pie. A couple of themed wines were served:

2002 Mulderbosch "Faithful Hound" (Stellenbosch).
Ripe black fruit, a bit oaky. Calms down a bit with air. As oak
becomes more background noise, some earth, leather, and a hint of
burnt rubber.
Could pass for $20 Medoc from a ripe vintage. Could use a bit more
acidic verve, but pleasant "Bordeaux blend." B

2005 Dog House "Charlie's Chard" Chardonnay
I've liked the Faithful Hound before, but this was just bought based
on name, I had low expectations. Back label emphasized vanilla, so I
was expecting oaky. But it wasn't really- not much obvious oak, and
surprisingly good acidity. The problem however was an edge of
sweetness to the tropical fruit, that really seemed to dominate. I
couldn't escape the sugar. B-/C+

There was also of course rawhide and doggie snacks. Canine attendees
included 3 Yorkies, 2 Pugs, 1 Spaniel, and 1 English Bulldog. Fun was
had by all:

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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