There’s a mentholated freshness that keeps me coming back to the 2020 Valpolicella, as bright cherries, licorice and hints of smoke form its bouquet. It is soft-textured and pure, with red berries and minerals motivated by brisk acids. This leaves rosy florals and a gentle tug of tannin, making for a pleasantly dry finale. (Eric Guido, Vinous, April 2022)
— 9 months ago
Allen Brothers Lava Cakes/Soufflé & 1977 Port. Pinch me!
Whenever I have wine this old, I always ask the people I share it with, what were you doing in 1977?
The beautiful thing about really old Port is how it softens all the edges & the elevated ABV. Smooth as silk.
This was a 375ml and farther along than a 750ml. The color was more Tawny than Port at this point. Wine on the leaner side. The fruits were; Thompson raisins, dates, figs, prunes, and some dried blackberries. Caramel, molasses, melted brown sugar, Cognac & Brandy presence, subtle wood shaving, nuts, butterscotch, graham cracker, dark withering flowers with beautiful acidity. The long finish was; rich, polished, well balanced, smooth and persistent for minerals.
If we had gone out for this dinner, it would have been $2500 plus tip & it wouldn’t have been this good which, is why we choose to cook rather than go out.
Cheese Course $25 pp
Salad $18 pp
Allen Brothers 6oz Ribcap $85 pp
Carrots $9 pp
Crispy Potato Wedges $12 pp
Soufflé $20 pp
Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs N/V Champagne $150
Glass of 2017 Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Blanc $25 pp
2018 Enderle & Moll Pinot Rose $75
1967 Bertani Valpolicella Amarone $625
2003 Chateau Lascombes $325
1977 Dow Port 375ml $275
Glass of Ruinart N/V Rose $35 pp
$2591 plus tax and gratuity
7 Hour Dinner
Nor would the music & ambiance been as good.
Interesting exercise penciling it all out.
Photos of; the boats used to transport Port from Douro to Oporto called a “Barcas”, grape stomping in a Lagare and our Allen Brothers Lava Cake/Soufflé. — 2 years ago
Medium ruby red with garnet edges. Candied berries on the nose with rose petals and tar. Medium and sweet tannins (6/10) with a medium plus body. Lingers on the palate and caresses your mouth. Dark cherries, bitter chocolate and leather. Long finish. Drink till 2038. — 2 months ago
On 18-12-21 — a year ago
Spicy, hint of plum, light. Paired nicely with our Chicken Parm dinner. — 2 years ago
Got from new season about 55. For brightness.. not too thick on the tough. The first taste seems sweet but it went away. I really like it. Would definitely buy again — 3 years ago
@Ely Cohn pretty much read my mind with his notes. Moderate bricking on edges in glass - check, Dark cherry, raspberry nose, some cocoa and a touch of sous bois on the finish - check. The ultra-soft tannins were noticeable in their faintness. Lovely wine for the price which has aged nicely over seven years; likely near peak. #verona #corvina — 2 months ago
Still plenty of flavours and strenght — a year ago
From Bertani domains, this is an outstanding reserve verdicchio. Slight salinity reminded me of the love child of a Pessac white BORDEAUX and muscadet. Lovely lees aging and partial ml, an easy to drink food wine that still has a couple more years of effortless joy to offer.
— 3 years ago
Andrea Bruzzi
Absolutely one of the best wine ever drunk! 😍
Sorry for the other, but in this case “Italian do it better” is so real! 🤩😉😍 — 15 days ago