Dinner Party at Home w Roberta&David Errenreich, Cindy&Jorge Gonzalez, and Jeannie&Gus Vidauretta

Menu; Fennel salad w coriander; Osso Bucco(in Brunello) w Risotto Milanese; Cheese Course: Cowgirl Creamery - Mt Tam, Epoisses, and Hook's 10 yr old Cheddar; and Chocolate Mousse w Szcechuan peppercorns.

• 2004 Didier Dagueneau Silex 90 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

  Unfortunately, I decided to pair the Dagueneau Sauvignon Blancs with the fennel salad. They got lost. I had originaly intended to try a Spatlese, or Chenin Blanc which might have fared better.

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• 2005 Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang 90 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

  Ditto to note on 2004 Silex. Was overwhelmed by Fennel Salad. A poor pairing.

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• 1997 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Double decanted in am. A forward BdM with good aromatics, fruit and a decent finish. Question its longevity.

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• 1997 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Decanted for an hour to allow brett to dissapate. (Reminded Gus, that this was an earlier vintage of the wine he had a few months ago at Al Moro in Rome when he called me and asked me to tell the waiter whcih wine he was supposed to order - the 01.)
  With decanting this was = to the Uccelierra, perhaps more flavorful with more upside potential.

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• 1997 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso 95 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Decanted for 2 hours. Consistently the BdM of the vintage. Clearly outshone its stellar competition this evening. As David noted a world class wine of great inensity in all aspects, bouquet, palate, and finish. Chose to serve this 3rd, as I didn't want to wait on others. (Regret I didn't include the 97 Valdicava normale or riserva in the competition, but only had 1 left of each.)

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• 1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio All'Oro 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Decanted for 3+ hours. Clearly more tannic than the normales served before. Intense, and not as compelling as the Ciacci. Will have to wait on these. I believe the Murra is readier.

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• 1997 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino Flawed

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Slight cork taint on opening. Served last and David noted it immediately. Was drinkable but obviously a flawed wine in comparison to its cousins.

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• 1994 Fonseca Porto Vintage 90 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Decanted for 4 hours. Ellen chose Chocolate Mousse for dessert, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally try one of my 2 100 point 94 Ports. I previously tried a glass of it about 10 years ago at The Tides at $50/glass. It seemed more memorable then. I believe it is in a dumb stage, and while good it is not at this time anywhere near its exalted status.

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