TN: basic Bourgogne and 2nd of LMHB

With some duck breast and polenta, the 2002 Catherine and Claude Mar=E9chal "Cuv=E9e Gravel" Bourgogne. Seemingly a little thin at first, then rounds out to a nicely balanced mid-size Bourgogne. Ripe cherry fruit, a raspberry soda note, with a little earth. What more could you ask for in a basic Bourgogne, but I confess to being just the slightest bit disappointed. Simply a case of excess expectations - between the way I loved previous vintages of this, and the way I was wowwed by their '02 Savigny VV, I think I just expected too much. A well-done clbuttic Bourgogne that should have thrilled me left a little flat. If I take away the excess expectations, this is a nice B+

With some lamb stew and couscous Friday, the 1999 La Chappelle de la Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan). Elegantly balanced midweight Bordeaux, some distinct Graves earth and mineral-quartz, leadpencil, tobacco. Fruit is more red than black, light tannins and moderate acidity. Clean minerally finish lingers, nice clbuttic claret. I don't buy a lot of second wines, but this one was a bargain at $20 or so and is drinking well now. 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