TN: Christmas with friends

Saturday morning we opened our Christmas presents, then I had to go to my office for an hour. When I returned, Betsy was busily making her last batch of spiced nuts. We had a slow afternoon, then got busy before guests arrived. After picking up 2 batches of guests at train station, we started with a prosecco: NV Nino Franco "Rustico" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene (though no vintage on label, cork had a 2001 stamp) Light, easy, and refreshing, slight hint of sugar, apple fruit with a little bit of lemony zip. Good for a light starter. B

A bit weightier was the 2002 Patrick Javiller "Cuvée de Forgets" Bourgogne Blanc. Warm pear and apple fruit, light toast aromas, good acidity. Nice wine, but this bottle seems just a tad muted compared to previous ones. B

Betsy in a fit of hostess madness had bought TWO rib roasts, but that made it easier to please both the "bleu" crowd (me) and some friends who are more on the "medium" side. She also made her first Yorkshire pudding (yum!) with a beef and red wine reduction. A friend brought some brussels sprouts (with water chestnut and cream sauce), as well as salad and a trifle for dessert. I had brought out and decanted three wines:

1988 Rocca de Montegrossi "Geremia" Red Tuscan Table Wine This was one of my $15 purchases from a Zachy's special from a private collection. First bottle ('93 Chiarlo Cerequio) I tried was corked, but this more than made up for it. I'm not sure varietal makeup of this, but seemed like there's lots of Sangiovese. Nose of flowers, tar, and saddle leather, on the palate deep black cherry fruit with a leathery-earthy note. Medium-bodied, fully mature, tasty Tuscan is a hit all around the table. A-

1996 Wm. Harrison "Rutherford Red" (Napa) Again not sure varietal composition, but a nice Cab blend. Medium-to-full-bodied, deep red fruit with a little cbuttis, some cedar and vanilla, smooth dusty finish (I know the Rutherford in the name might have influenced me, but that's what I noticed). With time the nose develops a kirsch-like warmth, but the wine isn't hot (I can't actually find an ABV listed on label). Balanced with a long finish, really one of the nicer Napa reds I've had in a while. B+-A-

1998 La Chenade (Lalande de Pomerol) A little hard to get past the oak. Medium- bodied with ripe berry fruit, but with sweet oak overlying the whole package. Others at table like better than I do. OK, but not great, and I have trouble seeing this getting better. B

Overall not a bad batting average. Most important think was sharing the day with good friends. Hope everyone had a good holiday, no matter what they celebrated.

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 Dale

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