TN: 2004 Nigl GV and 1998 Fronsac

Betsy played matinee Sat, but had evening off; I shopped for dinner while she worked. I got some king crab legs as an appetizer, and served them warm with melted butter. Wine was the 2004 Nigl Kremser Freiheit Gruner Veltliner. Big step back in the right direction after the 2003 (which seemed more about 2003 than about Nigl or GV), with a nose of English peas and a hint of pepper. This one has has citrusy (lemon-grapefruit) flavors on the palate, good acidity, and a nice stony edge to the finish. Not profound GV, but a good deal at $13, think this is a vintage to try the Privat. B+-B

For the main course I had marinated butterflied leg of lamb in garlic, rosemary, and thyme; I grilled the lamb as well as some yellow squash. Wine was the 1998 La Vieille Cure (Fronsac) from a half-bottle. Fairly mature nose, some flowers and earth over aromas of crushed raspberries. On the palate it's darker, with rich black plum fruit. This is a medium-bodied Bordeaux, not especially complex but with air there are some hints of vanilla, spice, and dead leaves.Nice ready to go Right Banker (at least in 375), and very enjoyable. B+