Sunday Betsy made a shrimp and pea risotto, I opened the 2006 Thomas-
Labaille "Les Monts Damnes" Sancerre (Chavignol). I had been in the
minority of not being thrilled with the '05 version of this, so kept
my expectations in check. A couple of sips and I let go the reins-
very nice SB. Bright lively grapefruit balanced by ripe green apple,
just a hint of grass, and a light flinty note. Fuller style of
Sancerre, big but still quite elegant. This is what I hoped the 2005
would be (and others seemed to find). Nice wine, B+/A-

Tonight went to a nice buffet dinner at a friend's home. I didn't
really drink, as I was to be driving to city, but did have small
tastes of:


2006 Finnegan's Lake "Fin." Chardonnay (California)
Competent if unexciting Chard, just a hint of oak, at least some
discernible acidity. B-

2006 Stringtown Pinot Noir (Willamette)
Very ripe PN, but with an herbal streak. Not especially attractive. B-

2004 Ruca Malen Malbec
I'm not usually a big Malbec guy, but liked this. Big, ripe, but fruit
balanced by both acidity and tannins. B/B+

A party for the homeless on the streets, and then home at 3. A glass
of the Sancerre is just rocking, but I decide bed is more attractive
than finishing glass. Goodnight!

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
*