Last night we went over to friends, to watch elections returns and celebrate. We ate chili, sushi, and mushroom canapes while watching returns (including Comedy Central, we actually watched Jon Stewart declare Obama the winner at 11), debating, and cheering.
Plus, of course, some wine:
2006 Urban Uco Malbec-Tempranillo (Argentina)
No offense to my host, but this was dreadful wine. Jammy yet with a harsh acidity, oak chippy, sharp raspberries and blackberries with a weird almost chemically note. This seemed to go down fine with everyone else, but I used the sushi as excuse to dump the red. C-
2007 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc
This was a pleasant surprise. Citrus and peach fruit with just a hint of fresh mowed grass. Fuller styled, could use a little more acidic zip, but one of the better Cal SBs I've had recently, at least in the under $20 class. B
2003 Donnhoff Obama Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett
OK, OK, so this said "Oberhauser Leistenberg" till we went to work with tape and marker. Very good wine. Shows the vintage in not having the acidity of the '01 or '02, but not flabby in the least. Peaches and Bosc pears over a grapefruit/citrus spine, some mineral notes. A revisit shows some surprising red fruits (cherries?), a slight hint of petrol. One of my favorite 2003s, seems totally ready to me. B+
When the announcement came:
1998 Charles Ellner "Cuvee Prestige" Champagne
Full-bodied, yeasty, an almost-hops-y note. Not especially long, sweet apple fruit. B
NV Cristalino Cava Brut
You know, this isn't bad. Light, nutty, just a touch of sweetness. Quite decent finish. I prefer the Champagne, but not by much, and the Cristalino is a much better value. B-
There had also been a 2007 Pepiere Muscadet Betsy used for cooking, as always a stunning value
I realize not everyone shares my political views, but I hope everyone appreciates the historical significance of last night. It was quite moving to me to watch alongside an African-American friend in his sixties, who never thought he'd see that day. I thought McCain's concession speech showed a glimpse of the McCain I thought was my favorite Republican 8 years ago, and Obama's speech was stirring yet nuanced, not the easiest combo.
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.