Thursday I had to do a speech and greet at a Cocktails for A Cause event in Pearl River, but Betsy waited so we can have a late dinner together, tomato a la vodka soup and kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches.
2023 Do Ferreiro Cepas Vellas Albarino
Way young but delicious. Pear, citrus zest, saline/seashell. Very solid core, a bit tight but I really enjoy. On following night with guys it was a bit more open but still young. A-/B+
I’m hosting my local group in a couple weeks, but one OG member can’t make it (and couldn’t make last), and I wanted to see before he went to France for a while.. So after a simple salmon dinner I invited a few guys over for wine, cheese (Vermont Shepherd Verano, Robiola, Tallegio) and charcuteries (foie gras mousse, prosciutto, speck).
2024 Tiberio Pecorino
For the prices (under $30), I find the Tiberio Cerasuolo and Trebbiano great, the Montepulciano nice, and the Pecorino interesting. I do like it, but more intellectually. Green plum, lime zest, good acids. B/B+
1961 Oddero Barolo
Alex’s birthyear. We got lucky here, great showing. Red and black cherries, orange zest, tar, more orange zest. Spicy and long. Balanced, best Oddero I’ve ever had. Holds up well for hours. A-
2015 Ch. Rol Valentin (St Emilion)'
Couple of people really liked this, but I found it soft and soulless. Red plums, ripe almost roasted, vanillin oak, not very long. Could be from anywhere. B-/C+
Saturday oysters, striped bass in a butter herb sauce, Brussels sprouts, salad
2024 Extradimensional Yeah! Mariana’s Vineyard Chardonnay ( Santa Cruz Mountains )
Nice and crisp, citrus and pear, lime blossoms, good acids and nice length. B+/A-
Japanese beef curry, rice, greens
2001 San Luigi Fidenzio (Val di Cornia)
OK, a Cab based Tuscan IGT, 25 is pushing it. But this is surprisingly lively, with only the slightest hint of oxidation/ashtray. But the palate is a bit dull and monolithic, some cassis and black plum, some cedar. It has survived 25 years, but without getting especially interesting. B-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was the only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.