TN: Shafer Port from Ian, Bachelet, Girardin, Picq, Montelena Saturday was a nasty travel day (delayed flights, stomach viruses, and missing luggage) but we made it home even if our bags didn't (they did arrive Sunday afternoon). Betsy was leaving again today, we could have used a quiet night at home, but some old musician friends from CA were pbutting through Northeast and we'd made plans to have them visit. Betsy whipped together a mushroom risotto, salad, and brussels sprouts. We started with some 2004 Picq Chablis. I had liked the 2002 of this, and the 04 follows in its footsteps. Distinctively flinty, this is more minerally than the 2002, even if it lacks some depth. Medium green apple fruit, but this is all about the flint. B With the food: 2002 Vincent Girardin "Clos des Loy=E8res" Maranges 1er Cru Oaky, very ripe dark berry fruit. Nose of blackberries and mocha, a bit tannic on finish. Good in an international style, could probably use a year or two to settle down. At first there was a slight needlely acidity that didn't seem to match the ripe fruit, I wondered if this could be a sign of acidification, though that's speculation (and not something I heard about for 2002 Burgs). B 2001 Bachelet Bourgogne Sharper, a bit rough at first, but quickly opened to a very nicely structured, earthy Burgundy. Earth and hint of mushrooms over complex dark fruit, very nice finish for this level. My favorite of the night, though our guests Roy and Polly preferred the Girardin. B+-A- Our guests were saying they didn't mind oak, but disliked buttery Chardonnays. Have I got the wine for you! To accompany my pontificating on malolactic fermentation, the 2001 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (Napa). Some toasty oak, but no butter to spread on that toast. Spices and flowers over white apple fruit, crisp and long. B+ Cheese course consisted of Keen's cheddar, tomme de Savoie, Tally-Ho (from Maine), and Blacksticks Blue. We sampled the previous wines, plus the 2001 Shafer Port (Stags Leap District, Napa) from 375. I don't think I bought this, I believe it was a gift from Ian Hoare. Thick raisiny nose (a funny herby note hanging around the nose, too) that develops some depth with time. Despite my disdain for "Ports" not from Portugal I admit this is pretty damned good. Lush, chocolate and licorice on the palate, long finish, not especially hot despite 18% abv. Big but ripe tannins, this could go a while- too bad my only bottle. B+ Fun night, though it was way too late when I pulled out the inflatable bed for our guests. Roy's trying to get Betsy to play a festival in Mendocino next summer, I could use some redwood time! 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. =20 =20 
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