TN: Some basic bourgognes, and a Lost Mountain Syrah

Monday we were invited to friends for dinner. They served a mild chili, with jalapenos, bell peppers, yogurt-cilantro, and cheese as toppings. I had planned to carry a Zin, but ended up carrying over a bottle I had been given by friends after they traveled to Washington state, the 2001 Lost Mountain Sagemoor Syrah (Columbia Valley). Medium-to-full bodied, at first there was a needleliness that worried me (this is a no-sulfites added wine, and I was worrying re secondary fermentation). But that seemed to dissipate, leaving some acidity but nothing out of whack. Some spice and oak, good red fruit. Sadly, finish on the short-clipped side. B-B-

Tuesday I was taking a group into city, so only wanted a half-glbutt with dinner (paprika chicken with dumplings). I opened a 375 of the 2002 Sylvain Dussort "Cuv=E9e des Ormes" Bourgogne Blanc. Nice mid-weight Chard, light buttery aromas with a hazelnutty finish. Some mineral, light oak. Good deal ($8 a 375?). A glbutt when I returned at 2 AM was even better- long clean finish. B+

Wednesday was shrimp with leeks over pasta, and another Bourgogne blanc, the 2002 Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay. Surprisingly, I thought this was woody at first, then all traces of oak disappeared (were they there to start with?). I tend to like Drouhin, but this was nothing special- a fat round Chardonnay with a touch of RS. B-

After a couple of Bourgogne Blancs, time for a rouge. Betsy cooperated with a nice duck leg over salad dinner Thursday, I opened a 2001 Michel Lafarge Bourgogne. Easily best showing of this yet. Clear clean black cherry fruit, without the hard edges it showed on release. Transparent, could easily pbutt for a lighter Volnay (and better than some '01 Volnays I've had).. B+-A-

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