With a vegetable pizza (tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers), the 2010 JP Brun (Terres Dorees) “L’Ancien” Beaujolais. It’s usual lovely puppyish self of a wine. Crunchy red (cranberry/raspberry) fruits, juicy without being jammy, nice length, bright. B+

Thursday I broiled some chicken breast and made a toor dal with vegetables, wine was the 2011 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Kabinett #16. Bright, light, elegant, vibrant acid core, tasty tasty tasty.B+/A-

Friday I made halibut and sauteed arugula, with salad, leftover dal, and a half bottle of the 2009 Auvigue “Solutre” Pouilly-Fuisse. Acceptable Chardonnay, pear fruit with enough acidity to keep it alive, but there’s no real core here. That’s ok at $7/375. B-

Later I walked a few blocks to Rob’s house, where my local wine group (plus a couple of Rob’s friends) were having our monthly tasting. Rob had out some nice cheese, sausage, fruit, olives, plus a couple of greeting wines:

2011 Pumphouse (North Fork)
Bland, fat, no guess re varietal comp, seems “generic wine white” like a low end Pinot Grigio. C+

On to the blind red wines. Usually we have a theme of a variety or a region, but this time Rob came up with “bring a wine (red, available for under $30) that your spouse would love, and be prepared to tell why.” I have a much better night guessing than usual, but it was as much social engineering as tasting

Wine #1- whoa, Nelly. This is huge, hot, and not up my alley. Jammy, alcoholic. For once I’m on- I take the first guess- Zinfandel. The owner (not a regular) continues to solicit opinions, so I assume I’m wrong. Finally he says “yes, Zinfandel- from where?” I guess Paso Robles, which is says is correct (though he corrects my pronunciation). I should stop here. 2006 Norman Estate Zinfandel (Paso Robles). C

Wine #2- this is also big, but seems a bit more balanced to me. Tannins, blacker fruits, a little hint of merde. Then Rob mentions he got it through me. Aha, that narrows it down to a few dozen wines, and I get the Haven B&B on first guess. OK, this one was inside knowledge, but better than I usually do. 2006 Havens Black and Blue B

Wine #3- all streaks must come to an end. Light to medium body, moderate acids, cherry fruit. As it’s Fred’s I’m thinking Loire, but doesn’t seem to fit (and then someone guesses that and is told no). I miss with Chianti. In any case, a nice lighter quaffer. I’m surprised at a French guy bringing the 2009 Italo Pietrantonj Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. B
Wine #4 - Roger’s “mine should go next” following Fred’s makes me guess Italy. Roger confirms. Light, smooth, some tar and roses over dried cherries, I guess Nebbiolo, told no. A few more guesses and then Roger says it’s a Barolo (this isn’t the geeky group). Not bad for a under $30 Barolo (though I was thinking Nebbiolo d’Alba or something)., 2006 Settevie Barolo (there’s a prominent “7” on label if more than 1). B/B+


Wine #5- Wow, this is really quite nice. Light to medium bodied, red fruits, a nice nose with sandalwood/incense and floral notes. I ponder Burgundy, but guess Italy, I’m right but my mind is on the wrong end of the country, I’m thinking some Alpine wine when it’s the delicious 2010 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso. B+ My WOTN

Wine #6, mine so no guesses. This was opened about 2.5 hours before being served. On opening it seemed tight, but I thought showed well (in a lighter mode a la 2007) by serving. Red fruits, forest floor, meat. I think Burgundy was quickly nailed, but guesses were older (I didn’t think it tasted old at all, I think these guys are just used to me bringing older wines. 2007 Jadot “Narbantons” Savigny 1er. B+/B

Wine #7- ack! Volatile nose, pruney, madeirized. This is clearly a wine that had a bad cork. 2006 I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano D (but pretty sure this was off bottle not wine).

There wa a Prosecco at the end. Oops, just realized I forgot a red wine. Rob’s friend Greg brought 2 wines, the first was a blind red. Simple, easy, I guessed Rhone and he confirmed, but it was actually a VdP. No further info. He said his wife really only drank Prosecco, so he had brought the NV Ruffino Prosecco. A bit offdry.appley, simple, inoffensive. C+/B-

Saturday I made a bread stuffing for a pork tenderloin, with the 2008 Grosset Springvale Watervale Riesling (Clare Valley). Very appealing- crisp, minerally, with a touch of petrol. Citrus fruit. Very nice, good length. B++

Sunday I spent most of the day in hurricane prep (refastening a drain spout, tying down outdoor stuff, clearing nearby storm drains) but invited some friends for dinner. Lobster salad, steak in a red wine sauce, baked potatoes, and green beans.

NV Moutardier Rose Champagne
Sweet strawberries, a nice bitter touch to the finish, but seems a bit coarse and it’s rather short. B-

2007 Fevre “Bougros” Chablis GC
Beautiful bottle of Chablis, pure and long. Citrus, Granny smith, and earth.. Excellent length. This might age well, but with PremOx I’ll just drink em young. A-

1988 Gruaud-Larose (375)
This is rather advanced, not sure if storage (recent acquisition) or just format, but still has some interest. Cassis fruit with a touch of prune, cigarbox, a little ashy on finish. Not shot, but a bit tired. B-

2010 Cameron Hughes “Lot 344” Merlot (Oakville, Napa)
This was cooking wine, but made it to table as well.Midbodied, not very distinctive, blackberry and black plum, a touch of menthol. Pleasant enough. B-

Storm is really kicking up, better post while I have power, good luck all East Coasters!

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.

On Oct 29, 2:49*pm, DaleW > wrote:
> With a vegetable pizza (tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers), the 2010 JP Brun (Terres Dorees) “L’Ancien” Beaujolais. It’s usual lovely puppyish self of a wine. Crunchy red (cranberry/raspberry) fruits, juicy without being jammy, nice length, bright. B+
>
> Thursday I broiled some chicken breast and made a toor dal with vegetables, wine was the 2011 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Kabinett #16. Bright, light, elegant, vibrant acid core, tasty tasty tasty.B+/A-
>
> Friday I made halibut and sauteed arugula, with salad, leftover dal, and a half bottle of the 2009 Auvigue “Solutre” Pouilly-Fuisse. Acceptable Chardonnay, pear fruit with enough acidity to keep it alive, but there’s no real core here. That’s ok at $7/375. B-
>
> Later I walked a few blocks to Rob’s house, where my local wine group (plus a couple of Rob’s friends) were having our monthly tasting. Rob had out some nice cheese, sausage, fruit, olives, plus a couple of greeting wines:
>
> 2011 Pumphouse (North Fork)
> Bland, fat, no guess re varietal comp, seems “generic wine white” like a low end Pinot Grigio. C+
>
> On to the blind red wines. Usually we have a theme of a variety or a region, but this time Rob came up with “bring a wine (red, available for under $30) that your spouse would love, and be prepared to tell why.” I have a much better night guessing than usual, but it was as much social engineering as tasting
>
> Wine #1- whoa, Nelly. This is huge, hot, and not up my alley. Jammy, alcoholic. For once I’m on- I take the first guess- Zinfandel. The owner (not a regular) continues to solicit opinions, so I assume I’m wrong. Finally he says “yes, Zinfandel- from where?” I guess Paso Robles, which is says is correct (though he corrects my pronunciation). I should stop here. 2006 Norman Estate Zinfandel (Paso Robles). C
>
> Wine #2- this is also big, but seems a bit more balanced to me. Tannins, blacker fruits, a little hint of merde. Then Rob mentions he got it through me. Aha, that narrows it down to a few dozen wines, and I get the Haven B&B on first guess. OK, this one was inside knowledge, but better than I usually do. 2006 Havens Black and Blue B
>
> Wine #3- all streaks must come to an end. Light to medium body, moderate acids, cherry fruit. As it’s Fred’s I’m thinking Loire, but doesn’t seem to fit (and then someone guesses that and is told no). I miss with Chianti. In any case, a nice lighter quaffer. I’m surprised at a French guy bringing the 2009 Italo Pietrantonj Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. B
> Wine #4 - Roger’s “mine should go next” following Fred’s makes me guess Italy. Roger confirms. Light, smooth, some tar and roses over dried cherries, I guess Nebbiolo, told no. A few more guesses and then Roger says it’s a Barolo (this isn’t the geeky group). Not bad for a under $30 Barolo (though I was thinking Nebbiolo d’Alba or something)., 2006 Settevie Barolo (there’s a prominent “7” on label if more than 1). B/B+
>
> Wine #5- Wow, this is really quite nice. Light to medium bodied, red fruits, a nice nose with sandalwood/incense and floral notes. I ponder Burgundy, but guess Italy, I’m right but my mind is on the wrong end of the country, I’m thinking some Alpine wine when it’s the delicious 2010 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso. B+ My WOTN
>
> Wine #6, mine so no guesses. This was opened about 2.5 hours before being served. On opening it seemed tight, but I thought showed well (in a lighter mode a la 2007) by serving. Red fruits, forest floor, meat. I think Burgundy was quickly nailed, but guesses were older (I didn’t think it tasted old at all, I think these guys are just used to me bringing older wines. 2007 Jadot “Narbantons” Savigny 1er. B+/B
>
> Wine #7- ack! Volatile nose, pruney, madeirized. This is clearly a wine that had a bad cork. 2006 I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano D (but pretty sure this was off bottle not wine).
>
> There wa a Prosecco at the end. Oops, just realized I forgot a red wine. Rob’s friend Greg brought 2 wines, the first was a blind red. Simple, easy, I guessed Rhone and he confirmed, but it was actually a VdP. No further info. He said his wife really only drank Prosecco, so he had brought the NV Ruffino Prosecco. A bit offdry.appley, simple, inoffensive. C+/B-
>
> Saturday I made a bread stuffing for a pork tenderloin, with the 2008 Grosset Springvale Watervale Riesling (Clare Valley). Very appealing- crisp, minerally, with a touch of petrol. Citrus fruit. Very nice, good length. B++
>
> Sunday I spent most of the day in hurricane prep (refastening a drain spout, tying down outdoor stuff, clearing nearby storm drains) but invited some friends for dinner. Lobster salad, steak in a red wine sauce, baked potatoes, and green beans.
>
> NV Moutardier Rose Champagne
> Sweet strawberries, a nice bitter touch to the finish, but seems a bit coarse and it’s rather short. B-
>
> 2007 Fevre “Bougros” Chablis GC
> Beautiful bottle of Chablis, pure and long. Citrus, Granny smith, and earth. Excellent length. This might age well, but with PremOx I’ll just drink em young. A-
>
> 1988 Gruaud-Larose (375)
> This is rather advanced, not sure if storage (recent acquisition) or just format, but still has some interest. Cassis fruit with a touch of prune, cigarbox, a little ashy on finish. Not shot, but a bit tired. B-
>
> 2010 Cameron Hughes “Lot 344” Merlot (Oakville, Napa)
> This was cooking wine, but made it to table as well.Midbodied, not very distinctive, blackberry and black plum, a touch of menthol. Pleasant enough. B-
>
> Storm is really kicking up, better post while I have power, good luck all East Coasters!
>
> 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.

Nice notes. Love the '07 Fevre Bougros..had it many times.

On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:49:06 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
wrote:


> Wine #4 - Roger?s ?mine should go next? following Fred?s makes me guess Italy. Roger confirms. Light, smooth, some tar and roses over dried cherries, I guess Nebbiolo, told no. A few more guesses and then Roger says it?s a Barolo



But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.


--
Ken Blake

On Monday, October 29, 2012 5:09:38 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
> On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:49:06 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Wine #4 - Roger?s ?mine should go next? following Fred?s makes me guess Italy. Roger confirms. Light, smooth, some tar and roses over dried cherries, I guess Nebbiolo, told no. A few more guesses and then Roger says it?s a Barolo
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
>
> Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Ken Blake

Yes, I know, that's why my chagrined comment about this not being the geeky group (except for Fred and myself).

On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:53 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
wrote:

> On Monday, October 29, 2012 5:09:38 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:

> > But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
> >
> > Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Ken Blake
>
> Yes, I know, that's why my chagrined comment about this not being the geeky group (except for Fred and myself).


I thought you knew. You know everything I know about wine, and more.
That's why I was surprised when you said you were wrong.


How are you doing with Sandy there? It's good to see that you still
have electric power.


--
Ken Blake

On Monday, October 29, 2012 7:56:05 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
> On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:53 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Monday, October 29, 2012 5:09:38 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
>
>
>
> > > But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
>
> > >
>
> > > Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > --
>
> > >
>
> > > Ken Blake
>
> >
>
> > Yes, I know, that's why my chagrined comment about this not being the geeky group (except for Fred and myself).
>
>
>
>
>
> I thought you knew. You know everything I know about wine, and more.
>
> That's why I was surprised when you said you were wrong.
>
>
>
>
>
> How are you doing with Sandy there? It's good to see that you still
>
> have electric power.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Ken Blake

sleepless night, no power since 6:30 last night (am at office, just got power back here, may be days at home). We lost several sections of cedar fence- I've never seen anything like that storm. But safe, got generator working, less rain than forecast (great for my basement, plus we lost less trees than saturated ground). Lots of closed roads, downed lines. Record number of people without power. Transit in city awful. This is a true disaster for lots of people, so I feel lucky.
Thanks all for concern, hope everyone in storm path made it through safe if not happy

On Tuesday, October 30, 2012 9:24:52 AM UTC-6, DaleW wrote:
> On Monday, October 29, 2012 7:56:05 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
>
> > On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:53 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
>
> >
>
> > wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > > On Monday, October 29, 2012 5:09:38 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > > > But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > > Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > > --
>
> >
>
> > > >
>
> >
>
> > > > Ken Blake
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
> > > Yes, I know, that's why my chagrined comment about this not being the geeky group (except for Fred and myself).
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > I thought you knew. You know everything I know about wine, and more.
>
> >
>
> > That's why I was surprised when you said you were wrong.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > How are you doing with Sandy there? It's good to see that you still
>
> >
>
> > have electric power.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > --
>
> >
>
> > Ken Blake
>
>
>
> sleepless night, no power since 6:30 last night (am at office, just got power back here, may be days at home). We lost several sections of cedar fence- I've never seen anything like that storm. But safe, got generator working, less rain than forecast (great for my basement, plus we lost less trees than saturated ground). Lots of closed roads, downed lines. Record number of people without power. Transit in city awful. This is a true disaster for lots of people, so I feel lucky.
>
> Thanks all for concern, hope everyone in storm path made it through safe if not happy

Glad to hear you are safe Dale.

On Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:24:52 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
wrote:

> On Monday, October 29, 2012 7:56:05 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
> > On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:53 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >


> > How are you doing with Sandy there? It's good to see that you still
> > have electric power.


> sleepless night, no power since 6:30 last night (am at office, just got power back here, may be days at home). We lost several sections of cedar fence- I've never seen anything like that storm. But safe, got generator working, less rain than forecast (great for my basement, plus we lost less trees than saturated ground). Lots of closed roads, downed lines. Record number of people without power. Transit in city awful. This is a true disaster for lots of people, so I feel lucky.
> Thanks all for concern, hope everyone in storm path made it through safe if not happy


Glad to hear that all is well, and it's good that you have a
generator. This morning I spoke with my son, who you might remember
lives in the village next to you, Ardsley, and he too reports that all
is well except that he also has no power (and no generator).




--
Ken Blake

On Oct 30, 11:24*am, DaleW > wrote:
> On Monday, October 29, 2012 7:56:05 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
> > On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:53 -0700 (PDT), DaleW >
>
> > wrote:
>
> > > On Monday, October 29, 2012 5:09:38 PM UTC-4, Ken Blake wrote:
>
> > > > But you weren't wrong. It may not have been called Nebbiolo, but
>
> > > > Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
>
> > > > --
>
> > > > Ken Blake
>
> > > Yes, I know, that's why my chagrined comment about this not being the geeky group (except for Fred and myself).
>
> > I thought you knew. You know everything I know about wine, and more.
>
> > That's why I was surprised when you said you were wrong.
>
> > How are you doing with Sandy there? It's good to see that you still
>
> > have electric power.
>
> > --
>
> > Ken Blake
>
> sleepless night, no power since 6:30 last night (am at office, just got power back here, may be days at home). We lost several sections of cedar fence- I've never seen anything like that storm. But safe, got generator working, less rain than forecast (great for my basement, plus we lost less trees than saturated ground). Lots of closed roads, downed lines. Record number of people without power. Transit in city awful. This is a true disaster for lots of people, so I feel lucky.
> Thanks all for concern, hope everyone in storm path made it through safe if not happy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Glad all is well. We are suffering the much diminished effects here
in Ohio as I woke up to 60mph winds, and snow...in October!

On 10/30/2012 08:23 PM, Bi!! wrote:
>> sleepless night, no power since 6:30 last night (am at office, just
>> got power back here, may be days at home). We lost several sections
>> of cedar fence- I've never seen anything like that storm. But safe,
>> got generator working, less rain than forecast (great for my
>> basement, plus we lost less trees than saturated ground). Lots of
>> closed roads, downed lines. Record number of people without power.
>> Transit in city awful. This is a true disaster for lots of people,
>> so I feel lucky.
>>> Thanks all for concern, hope everyone in storm path made it
>>> through safe if not happy- Hide quoted text -
>>>
>>> - Show quoted text -
> Glad all is well. We are suffering the much diminished effects here
> in Ohio as I woke up to 60mph winds, and snow...in October!

Funny we had snow on 27 Oct... bizarre.

Glad to hear you're hanging in Dale, I'm sure this must be a very
challenging time work-wise also. I have my dad, sister and nephew in
from the city, here in France. But my step-mom was cat sitting on w.
58th and is evacuated; not clear whether Dad will be able to go back
home on saturday...

-E