Tuesday Betsy made "Shaking Beef" from a recipe by Charles Phan of the
Slanted Door in SF. I told Betsy we could go white or red, she went
with red, and I opened the 2004 Domaine Lafond "Roc-Epine"
Côtes-du-Rhône. Big improvement over the 2003. Lighter-bodied CdR
with very good acidity, bright raspberry and strawberry fruit with some
herbiness. Nice little wine that doesn't compete with the food (besides
the beef we had bok choy with mushrooms and fresh rice noodles) buit
complements it. Wednesday I had seltzer with dinner (at office, before
meeting), but had a glass of the leftovers when I got home. Seemed
softer and less zippy, a nice spicy/herby Rhone. If you're looking for
heft this one isn't for you. It's not compelling, but I'll order some
to fill out a case ($9 before discount) next time I order at CSW. 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.