Betsy was with a group of carolers visiting shut-ins last night; while
I was awaiting her return I took care of dinner. A pork loin roast with
a rosemary/garlic rub, leftover pilaf, and broccoli. While cooking I
opened the 1990 Ch.Greysac (Medoc). An auction cheapie, I was very
pessimistic about this cru bourgeois when I saw the thoroughly
saturated cork and some signs of seepage. And indeed, at first it
seemed a little harsh and off, with a little VA and some pruney notes.
But as I basted the roast, the VA blew off and the pruney notes became
more plummy. By the time Betsy returned and I deglazed the pan, a
rather nice - if probably slightly overmature lighter-weight claret.
Ripe blackcurrant and black plum fruit, a light touch of cedar and
graphite. Last glass (as washing dishes- probably 2.5 hours from
opening) was fading quick, but for the middle two hours this was a fine
value for a $10 (plus shipping and premium) wine. B, with a B+ for
overachieving.

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.