With clams in a fairly spicy broth, scallops with a chive/lemon sauce,
rice, and Brussels sprouts, the 2004 *Pepiere (Ollivier) “Clos des
Briords” Muscadet VV. I wondered if this might be a bit tight, but it
was open and welcoming. Plus less austere than I would have imagined-
ripe pit fruit along with grapefruit, plenty of mineral/seashell
notes, saline, long. Quite nice (and even better on day 2). My only
issue is that I think I'm down to 2 or 3 of these, and I want to see
what they're like at 10 or 15, but doubt any make it- just too good
now. A-

With leftover ersatz cassoulet, the 2008 Ch. la Grolet (Cotes du
Bourg),.
Cassis and dark berry, good acidity, light tannins. A little hint of
saddle leather and earth. Pretty good, typical, but I think I like a
tad (just a tad!) less than some earlier vintages on release. 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.*
In this particular case, even less accuracy, as my average-at-best
physical skills were further hampered by a cold.