Last weekend, I was in LA with my friend Stacey. Since we’re on the “other side” of a certain age, we like our dinners on the early side—and what’s better than an early dinner? An early dinner followed by wine tasting at home. After a fabulous meal at Mirate, where ordering a Margarita is an aslmost must. we headed back to Stacey’s place to break in her new bar with a bottle of 2023 Chateau Graville Lacoste Blanc from Bordeaux, France. What followed was a slightly tipsy wine-tasting interview, like the one I did with my sister over the summer.
Winemaker Notes
Crisp, fresh, and refreshing with notes of citrus, cut grass, and subtle tropical fruits.
Me: Alright, Stacey, first impressions—what do you see?
Stacey: [peering at the glass] Well, it’s crystal clear in the light. Very promising, and I am assuming it will be very crisp.
Me: Love it. Now, give it a whiff. What are you getting?
Stacey: Hmm… It’s clean and fresh, maybe a touch of citrus?
Me: Alright, time to taste it! Take your first sip.
Stacey: [sipping thoughtfully] Ooh, it’s sharp at first, but smooth. There’s a hint of lemon meringue—does that sound weird? It’s drinkable, really drinkable, even though it’s crisp. Did I say “drinkable” twice? I mean it!
Me: Let’s try a little more, but this time, hold it for a second before you swallow. What do you get?
Stacey: [holding the sip] Okay, wow, now I’m getting the full lemon meringue pie experience! This is basically pie in a glass! Maybe not “dessert,” but definitely citrus and fruit, all smooth and cozy.
Me: Alright, one more—hold the sip at the roof of your mouth. Any new revelations?
Stacey: [after some contemplation] Definitely more citrus, but now I’m also getting a tropical vibe, like pineapple. I think I’m sipping a summer dessert! Did I mention lemon meringue pie? Because that’s what’s happening here. It’s refreshing and smooth but not overly sweet. Just…pie.
Me: Alright, close your eyes, take another sip, and tell me if it brings up a memory.
Stacey: Oh, it does. I’m suddenly at Sandy Bottom’s, that house I rented in Seabrook, NH. It’s a warm day, friends are around, and we’re all sipping something cold and crisp. This wine just transported me back!
Me: And would you bring this bottle to enjoy with friends?
Stacey: Absolutely. This is a great everyday wine, perfect to share without overthinking. It’s affordable, tasty, and no one’s going to sniff it and say, “I don’t know, it’s not quite floral enough.”
Me: Good choice. Now, if you were to pair it with food, what would you choose?
Stacey: New England Lobster Roll, for sure! Buttery, not mayo. And fries on the side. Anything that lets me pretend I’m on a beach.
Me: Butter for the win! So, shall we have another glass?
Stacey: Definitely. Plus, it pairs well with binge-watching Only Murders in the Building.
In Conclusion: A crisp, affordable wine that’s both pie-in-a-glass and perfect for summer gatherings. Best enjoyed with friends, a buttery lobster roll, and a mystery show in the background.
Stacey’s Rating… (My Ratings and What they Mean)
