Notes from lunch at L'Incontro. A rather venerable restaurant along Reposo St. in Makati but now under new management. They have a good and very reasonably priced lunch set for about P 600.00. The pizzas are also very good.
Vare 2004 - Second time to have this wine, courtesy of Jojo. First time was about 3 years ago at Pepato. Deep gold. Sherry notes on the nose which are carried on to the flavor as well. Slight oxidation and metallic finish. Probably over the hill. Much better 3 years ago. A Napa wine made with Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friuliano, Pinot Grigio, Sauv Blanc and Chard.
Pio Cesare Barbaresco Il Bricco 2000 - Very attractive aroma, rather sweet. Dark chocolate. Rich, ripe and vibrant. Dried herbs. Dry, savory finish. Very easy to drink. Probably at peak now.
Serpico dei Feudi di San Gregorio 2003 - Very dark. Soy sauce. Quite acidic. Disjointed. I doubt that this will get any better as the fruit is so subdued and the acid is so strong.
Allegrini La Grola 2006 - Pure Corvina according to Arnie. Berry confit and a little earth. Tannic. Needs a bit more time and should be drunk with food but this is very good.
Allegrini Amarone 2001 - Figs and plums. Ripe, peppery. Nice and sweet. Dryish finish. Very attractive now and great with the blue cheese.
Incidentaly, we had both the Amarone and Serpico together 3 years ago at Johnny's restaurant at the Casino.
We finished with an Auslese.
Muller-Catoir Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten Riesling Auslese 1998 - Light gold. Yellow tropical fruits, pineapple, peach, dried mango. Arnie said local pomegranate. A rather gentle Auslese; not too sweet. Better with cheese than with dessert, though. Or maybe as a sweet aperitif. Still, very good although I would rather drink it now than later.