Last night had a friend over, as his wife was out of town for a
funeral and he had just dropped off his kid for 1st day of boarding
school. We traded kid stories/gripes, enjoyed a cool night, and
watched the dogs play.

With hummus and crudite followed by a shrimp/corn/tomato salad, the NV
Foreau Vouvray Brut. Bigger style of bubbly, just a light fizz, big
baked apple and some grapefruit, good length, gets better with air.
This is last from a few (Lot 2011) that I got a year or two ago, a
little bottle age has this showing a little nuttier/richer than
previous bottle. B+

With grilled double rib lamb chops, squash, and potatoes, a pair of
reds:

2005 Ch. Peyredoulle (Cotes de Blaye)
Just a hint of tannins, some acidity, moderate fruit. Black plums, not
a lot here, but ok for the under $10 tag. B-

2003 Deyrem-Valentin (Margaux)
Some trepidation opening this, not huge fan of '03 in Southern Medoc.
Not so bad. Big crushed berry nose, dark berry fruit, modest tannins,
a little espresso. This is running a bit of the fat side, but doesn't
fall into the flabby category. More acid and more depth would be
welcome, but ok for cheap Margaux. Ron is more of a New World guy and
liked more than I. B/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.