TN: inexpensive French wines Bdx Sup. & VdP Orange

Saturday Betsy was working a double; I spent day at benefit concert, then grabbed a small ribeye at grocery store. Sauteed some mushrooms in butter, then the steak in same pan, then deglazed with the 2001 Ch. des Vallees (Bordeaux Superieur). Had the wine with dinner, the plummy Merlot fruit had a little edge of earth and spice. Just a hint of oak, better acidity than some modern inexpensive Bordeaux. A longer finish and more structure would have moved grade up a bit, but as is a decent QPR ($9) and a B-B-.

After Betsy's matinee Sunday we headed towards Boston; David had college visits scheduled Monday at Emerson and BU. We spent the night in Concord with friends. They brought out some wine and cheese. The wine was the 2004 Secret de Campane (VDP de la Principaute d'Orange, a new appelation to me). Lighter Rhone-style wine, raspberry and cherry fruit. Bright acidity, nice flavors, the big problem is that there's a hint of sweetness on the finish, and the finish is a bit short. B-

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.