Saturday night, we had a lovely dinner at the cozy Greenwich Village restaurant, Annisa. This was my fourth time dining there, and, by far, the best dinner. Service was spot on, and each dish had bold flavors, and interesting combinations. My friend’s sliced veal tenderloin, served rare, with morels and rhubarb….and fried veal brains was flavorful and delicious. Other highlights were appetizers of slightly spicy barbecued squid with Thai basil and peanuts, and a scallop ceviche with pistachios and hearts of palm. Besides the veal entrée, the fillet of Pollock with clams, braised bacon, and kimchee was something special, and turned an otherwise bland fish into an intriguing dish. Desserts were fantastic, and I had a fabulous poppy seed bread and butter pudding with Meyer lemon sauce. It was custardy in the center and nicely crisp on the top with the Meyer lemon providing a subtle flavor. I brought two bottles of wine, and they were handled well by Greg, the host who greeted us. First was a 2005 Henri Boillot Corton-Charlemagne. It was light and elegant with white flowers, minerality, and a whisper of citrus. Delicious with the appetizers, especially the ceviche. Our red was a 2002 Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers. Another wine that was oh so young, and it needed aggressive swirling to coax the aromatics. It was easy to drink now, with very attractive spices and florals and subdued fruit.
Sunday, we had plans to drive out to Hampton Bays to our friends’ boat. That morning, I received a phone call from him saying that since it was my birthday, I should stop at his house, and select any wine, and bring it to the boat. As dinner was to be grilled prime NY Strips (and pasta and crab), I had chosen a Bordeaux from my cellar, and thought I would find another in his. As I'm looking, I spotted a 1987 Chateau Montelena. Well, he said to pick any wine I desired - he is a special friend.
We started with a 2002 Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet “Les Vergers” with lobster salad and crabcakes. It was deep and highly concentrated, and I felt more advanced than I would have liked. At least it was better than a bottle opened a few months ago, that was shot. The Montelena was stunning. The color still dark, and it kept getting better as it sat in the glass. The tannins are soft but noticeable, and they add richness and texture, and the fruit remains bright. It still has plenty of life left. We followed this with a 1998 Angelus. I knew it would be young and I should be holding onto it rather than opening this on the boat, but I always open a Bordeaux on my birthday, and I’ve been itching to open the Angelus for a long time now. I was not disappointed, and it was an excellent follow up to the Montelena. Dense, dark, and polished with a bit of tobacco and ripe fruit. It has power and elegance, and I love young Bordeaux and steak. Assorted cheese and pastries ended this very excellent afternoon and evening of great food, wines, and special friendship.