Betsy decided she wanted to lose 5 (politely doesn't mention I could
lose 20), and has returned to the Sonoma diet. First week she doesn't
have wine. So I opened a half-bottle to go with chicken and veggies
(snow peas, artichokes) en papillote and some grilled asparagus. The
wine was the Box O' Birds Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). Lots of NZ SB
typicity -gooseberries, lime, a little grass and jalapeno. But a bit
more concentration is needed, comes across as a tad dilute. Also
suspect there's a touch of RS. Short finish. OK for the $6 I paid for
half, but not looking for more. B-/C+

Last night was flank steak with chiles and garlic, with a broccoli/
pepper/chevre side. Wine was the 2006 Clos Roche Blanche "L'Arpent
Rouge" Touraine. Pretty bright wine, all cherries and strawberries, a
peppery spice. Pleasant herbal edge, a very nice wine that had enough
body for the steak, but lively enough to handle the spice and the goat
cheese. 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.