Capping off a weekend with Alexis

Dinner after a long day showing Alexis Pichon the sights and tastes of Long Island. Stops included Macari Vineyards (disappointing), Paumanok Vineyards (always a pleasure), Briemere Farms for pies and Sand City Brewing (maybe producing LI's best range of beers). Caroline and David joined our full crew and Alexis for dinner.

We had a few minutes mutes before dinner so stopped at Caroline & David's where this decanted blind CdP awaited.

• 1998 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Tasted blind, I guessed Nebbiolo from the mid 90's at first and later commented that it seemed more French than Italian. Mostly resolved - showing a mix of secondary and tertiary elements. Would have liked to try with food.

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Fried zucchini, Caesar salad, mixed green salad, pulpo, etc.

• 2004 Weingut Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Klosterlay Riesling Kabinett

  Germany, Rheingau

  A lovely Kabnett offering a spate of floral fruity aromas and flavors. It's in a very good spot but shows no sigh of decline. Enjoyed with fried zucchini.

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• 2002 Jean Bourdy Savagnin Côtes du Jura Flawed

  France, Jura, Côtes du Jura

  The cork lacked sufficient structure for a worm to grip it. Had to push it in and then strain to a decanter. Not undrinkably oxidized but not enjoyable. Lacking acidity.

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I had a Sicilian style chicken breast that paired nicely with the Etna Rosso.

• 2008 Fattorie Romeo Del Castello Etna Vigo

  Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC

  Tart, fleshy and ashy with a formidable spine. Ample fresh fruit flavors. The tannic finish when revisiting 2 days later compels me to wait on my next bottle. Very good.

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• 1998 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  I really wanted to like this but my streak continues of misalignment with any special cuvée. I also struggle with the ferocity of this vintage. Alas, this was too hot, brooding and monolithic despite impressive fruit and structure.

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Max insisted on trying a sweet Grappa made from chamomile.