Friday Betsy was working, I was tired, and ....to my shame ...bought a
takeout/warmup meal. Got a pasta (ziti?) bolognese and a couple
jalapeno poppers at a local branch of an Arthur Avenue deli. Opened a
1994 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico. Not a strong vintage, but I always
like the 3 Fs. Or do I? At first taste this seems thin and dilute. I
come very close to dumping. But over the next 3-4 hours one of the more
amazing revivals/transformations I've ever experienced occurs. Over
time, some distinct black cherry and plum notes emerge. Some mineral
and a little tobacco. This isn't a earthmoving Chianti, and could use a
bit more acidic edge. But WAY better than first taste. An argument for
producer over vintage. B

Saturday I made some slow-cooked Alaskan king salmon, with some
anchovy-cooked mushrooms and broccoli. I opened a 2003 St. Innocent
"Villages" Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). Apparently a young-vines
combo from several vineyards. Medium-bodied, sweet cherry and raspberry
fruit. Not a lot of secondary characteristics or nuance, but a good
varietally correct wine. Decent QPR at $20. B/B+

Over a couple nights also tried a 2003 Domaine de la Pepiere (Marc
Olivier) Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie. Riper and easier than
previous vintages, but fun and tasty. Very minerally (more than I
remember from previous tastes).B/B+

Saturday afternoon Im was in Tarrytown, stopped in a local store. A
distributor's rep was there, pouring a few wines. I tried two:
2001 La Buxynoise Montagny "Chagnots" 1er Cru
Bright apple fruit, a hint of oak, ultimately short and simple. B-

1999 Chevalier du Gruaud-Larose
Some Bordeaux-earth on nose, modest cassis fruit. Quite short on
finish. 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