I was glad to be done with skool in ’72. Celebrated wildly upon graduation from high school. I was always a procrastinator, and all night last minute caffeine hazed catch-up was the norm in college. The only place to secure espresso was a single machine at a coffee house called The Excelsior on Alder St. Those were the days. No more, I said.

Yet the gods, whomever they be, and always fond of a joke, decided otherwise. My son seems to have inherited the gene for dilatoriness: redux and déjà vu! Ha. Ha. So we have been doing some late-night homework and, yes, it does feel the same. Coffee’s better, though. In case you’re wondering: math still gives me a headache, I love writing, anything to do with coloring and drawing, and continue to despise teachers who won’t or can’t help or don’t care. Plus ça change…

So…to celebrate the end of 6^th grade, I think a bottle of Pol Roger 1999 Extra Cuvée Champagne Rosé apropos. Sure couldn’t do that in 6^th grade… This is pale pink elegance pricked with energetic pinpoint bubbles. Wet earth and citrus with toffee notes, baked scone, and subtle lemon in the mouth, and underlying chalkiness. 92pts, Wine Spectator, Dec. 15^th, 2010. $104.99/750ml.

Always have been fond of Italian whites, especially when young, lively, and fresh. Just so, Barbi Orvieto Classico Secco 2010. Transparent straw colored, with a lemony citrus tang in the mouth and subtle notes of honey.Tart and lively on the finish. Perfect for light antipasti on the deck! $10.99/750ml.

Our Savories ad this week features the Maysara Roseena Pinot Noir Rosé, but for those who can’t do without a red, the 3° 2009 Pinot Noir from the same folks shouldn’t be overlooked. Sourced entirely from Montazi Vineyard near McMinnville, this 2009 Pinot Noir is transparent red-vermillion when poured, with brambly raspberry perfume. On the initial attack it shows earthy, baked pie crust with raspberry jam and subtle sweet spices, dusty tannins, and length. $12.99/750ml.

I picked up a good buy on the Kermit Lynch Réserve des Armoiries 2009 Côtes du Rhone recently and am able to bring the price down to $9.99/750ml., from $14.99. A good buy at the latter price, even better at $5 off.

From our friends in Bandol, Tempier 2010 Bandol Rosé, $36.39/750ml.
Gros ‘Noré Bandol Rosé 2010, $32.99/750ml.
Last year the demand for these was phenomenal, so don’t delay! Low yields always make the best wines!

Tasting schedule this week:

Friday, 6/10: Philippe Colin Bougogne Rouge 2007 and Philippe Chavy 2008 Bourgogne Blanc, 4pm.

Saturday, 6/11: Firestone Walker Parabola Reserve Imperial Stout and Hub Galactic Imperial Red, 5pm.