Back from CA - Thanks, Berskerkers

WINE TALK
1

This morning my wife and I returned to EST after sleeping for a combined 12 minutes on the red eye from San Francisco. I am bleary and ready for a long winter’s nap.

But I wanted to offer my thanks to this board and the many generous people who offered suggestions, whether it was with wine or food. Our trip included a lovely visit to Mayacamas as well as a stop to see the great John Holdredge. I feel compelled to write a trip itinerary for the non-score hunter. Too bad the folks from Pott wines were in Hawaii (others were also taking a winter break, as were restaurants like Redd in Yountville). We met a berserker, dined at Bottega, Bouchon and Zazu, and capped it off with a memorable meal at Slanted Door in SF before taking that late flight.

So there is much more to come when my brain solidifies inside my skull. I can’t guess when that might be. But anyway, thanks everyone.

2

It was a pleasure to meet you & your wife – and I had no idea that you were headed to the Slanted Door – my wife and I were there just last weekend!

Looking forward to your notes – and I hope they include your impressions of Rubicon.

3

Evan,

You were lucky they were closed. I didn’t fall head over heels in love with them in October. **Over**rated if you ask me.

4

Interesting. We had reservations at Ad Hoc, only to have just about everyone we asked beg us to cancel in favor of Redd, if possible.

5

I thought Redd was good but certainly not spectacular. The food is better than Ad Hoc but it’s a completely different price range/environment.

How’d you like Bottega? We had an insanely fun offline there a few months ago

6

Insane is the correct term…especially Yanni.,

7

“oh man i’m so drunk man” splatters red wine all over his polo neener

8

Maybe Redd has gone down hill. I ate there 4 years ago and it was an absolutely stellar meal. We all got the tasting menu but different options so it turned into a really great 20 course meal.

ate at Bottega a few months ago and was utterly disappointed. A mere shadow of Tra Vigne when chiarello was there.

9

Redd is still one of the top restaurants in the valley, I guess not just perfect, anybody can have an off night. Tra Vigne has not been good for many years.

10

This thread is a nice reminder that wine and food recs vary heavily based on experience, one good or bad night of service, and other factors. We enjoyed Bottega very much (my wife’s lamb was blah, but my gnocchi was the best I’ve ever had - oh, and the wine list had comparably miniscule markups). We’ve been to Tre Vigne and were disappointed, but again, that’s just one experience.

I suppose I’ll have to increase the sample size of my visits. [winner.gif]

11

Lou,

Maybe you were there on a good night. [wink.gif] [grin.gif]

12

Evan, the pleasure was mine. Hope we rep’d well for the RRV.

But candidly, I have been thinking about your visit to Mayacamas- thinking I might head up myself. I have a bottle of 1970 Mayacamas Pinot (that’s right) that Mr. Blicker was kind enough to force me to buy the other day, and thought i might get some insight from Mr Travers about how he made it before I drink it. Hope the rest of your trip was good. JAH

13

John-please report as a TN if you do have a tale to share regarding your enlightenment at the mountaintop…particularly any fisticuffs that break out during the kumbaya session.

14

  1. Those words never came out of my mouth.

  2. For both the Fuster and Texaco…. [middle-finger.gif] [middle-finger.gif]

15

Well, I was raised by a sect of fighting buddhist monks, so I can tell you that is not an unusual event.

16

I’ll be writing about the visit soon, John. It was wonderful. Your wines are stellar but I think you need therapy. neener

Let me echo the request that you publish a TN if you open that '70 Mayacamas. What a treat to be able to chat with Bob Travers about it, too.

17

Interesting comments on Redd, have had a few very good experiences there, though not recent . . .