Tom Casagrande

9.3

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

I love this style of Brunello. Great balance of deep cherry fruit and terra cotta earthiness. Tannins resolving. Went especially well with the steak that was grilled with garlic and rosemary. — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Tom Casagrande

9.3

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

Everyone loved this one. Deep and complex. Like a great Pessac with its notes of deep gravel and cigar box. — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Tom Casagrande

9.2

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

A leaner styled Cornas that showed more blood and iron than fruit, it was a little severe on its own but was nice with the steaks, more-so with the garlic-and-rosemary steaks than the less-adorned sea salt and cracked pepper steaks. — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Paul H

9.3

Percy at Council Oak always comes up with a great alternate bottle for the table. Tonight was not exception. This is a superbly drinkable wine. Medium body for the most part. Hints of cedar, tobacco, pepper and darker fruits and some raspberry. This matched the veal at dinner perfectly. Already placed an order to stick up at home. — 4 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

Pregaming wine. Quite a surprise, given the varietal and its age. Fresh and fruity, very fragrant but not over the top (Muscat can be a little simple and cloying at times), quite dry. Lovely — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Tom Casagrande

9.2

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

The evening capper. Delicious. (That’s all I remember about this one after 7 preceding wines. 🤷 — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.2

Three guys polished this bottle off with a couple cigars in no time. As the great Gabe Rosen says “It stokes the council fires of a gentlemanly soul” and I agree. This was drinking just like it was back in 2005. Really nice — 3 years ago

with Lee

Tom Casagrande

9.4

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

Another consensus favorite, the ‘16 version is stellar. So deep, but with that elusive (for Zin) old-world sense of balance, structure, and restraint. Paired beautifully with both kinds of steaks — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

Tom Casagrande

9.2

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

Balanced and subtle, this developed nicely with air and was quite elegant. — 8 days ago

with Dan and Angelo

John Tan

8.9

Tues Council. Very Japanese. Aromatic tropical fruits. — 3 years ago