Cru dinner last night in NYC

I finally had a chance to go to Cru last night with 4 friends and it was great. The food left me a bit hungry but the service was stellar. I don’t think my water glass was ever less than ½ full. The Sommelier I dealt with, John Slover was kind, considerate, and helpful. I would definitely recommend to everyone to get to Cru sooner than later. I would place the food on par with Montrachet and perhaps a slight bit better. The real attraction for me was the wine. Now onto the wines.

I got to Cru a little bit before the rest and was darn happy when I ordered this Donhoff below by the glass.

• 2001 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 91 Points

  Germany, Nahe

  Not showing much on the nose but what I did find was great acidity and balance on the palate. Lots of lemons, and orange peels. Finish lingered on and the wine really opened my palate in prep for food. What a great wine by the glass at Cru. $14 per.

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• 1989 Von Schubert Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese 85 Points

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  Pale yellow showing floral and fruit flavors on the nose. This wine when tasted alongside the 2001 Donhoff Kabinet just couldn't compete. A bit over acidic and just didn't have the same balance as the 2001. I have tasted about a half dozen 1989 Spatlese wines and this one just wasn't up to par with the rest. It still was very drinkable and showed slate, minerals, and fruit salad flavors.

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• 1988 Domaine Maume Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St. Jacques 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru

  Still very powerful and dense for its age of 16 year old. I found it to be very tannic, tough-textured, super-concentrated, meaty, and robust. This wine had some characteristics of a California Pinot with big bright binge cherries. On the nose was a slight clean barnyard which I only enjoy in small amounts. It made a very nice accompaniment to my Venison. If you are looking for soft subtle Pinot, look the other way. A damn nice wine for $58 at Cru.

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• 1970 Marcarini Barolo Brunate 94 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Wet animal fur on the nose with an initial must that blew off shortly after being swirled in my glass. Medium body with some leather - the fruit was alive and kicking with cherries and cigar box flavors. I found some cedar and soft silky tannins which made this wine a pleasure to consume. This old style Italian wine is definitly what I wish I had more of in my cellar. Cru wine list $112

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I really wanted to go bigger on the wines but a friend was paying with his corporate card and not all the attendees were are GEEKY as me with wine. The Sommelier’s had a chuckle when they saw me sitting at the table with a list of wines I was considering. P.S. Lyle, John says hello…. For all to note: The largest party that Cru can take is 6 people MAX…