I am going to dinner at a lace in DC that has a maddening list. Deep and broad, the list would be a lot of fun to explore if the wines weren’t all ridiculously overpriced. Among the wines that looked both interesting and within reason were the 2007 Paolo Bea Rosso de Veo ($95) and the 2009 San Valentino ($65). We are dining with people who like wine but are not winos. I think these may be a little much for them. Whatcha think?
We may end up with something boring like a Rostaing vins de pays
I posted a note on the 2006 San Valentino in the charity thread that’s on top right now, if it’s of any interest. It was definitely a wine geek wine, not something that I would recommend for civilians, especially in a group restaurant dinner where they’re not going to see the wine develop over an evening.
I am a fan of Paolo Bea, though, and those prices don’t seem terrible for the kind of restaurant you’re describing.
Haven’t had the 09 San Valentino, but prior vintages have been brutally tannic and unfriendly to early consumption.
Yeah, Bea is getting pretty geeky. And the wines need a ton of air [sometimes a day or two] in order to strut their stuff. And they need to be paired with the right food.
But otherwise Bea rocks. Totally.
Where are you going?
Have a list we could peruse?
I wouldn’t get the Bea, simply because of the volatile acidty. Might be a little too high toned for them, but I haven’t found any except the pure sagrantino to be tannic. Usually they drink out of the box.
BTW, where is that lad Roberto? He fell off the board like Klapp. Wonder whose next?
I don’t think the 07 Rosso is a bad bet if you decant. I haven’t found the junior wines impenetrable.
Thanks for the feedback. It is essentially what I expected.
Howard, we are going to Proof, then to the 6th Street Shul to see Hot Tuna.
Here is the list, for those who are interested: Proof | Wine List Any ideas would be gratefully accepted. Trying to stay under $100/btl
Okay, I’m assuming you want a red. That list has some pricey bottles, but it is pretty complete (organized in a strange way, like “special club” Champagne?).
There’s a number of good things under $100:
Lioco pinot
Chave Silene Crozes-Hermitage
Tempier 2012
Sperino Uvaggio
Brovia nebbiolo
Rioja
Yeah, I was looking at the CUNE Riojas and the Silene.
The 2005 Screegle is Thirty Seven Fifty.
The Occhipinti Frappato is a nice bottle without getting too serious
The Frappato is a good idea too. Thanks
The Bea wines are very good and interesting, but can be very particular. I might do the Occhipinti Frapppato. Or more like likely the 2007 Rovellotti Gheme. Prices aren’t that much higher than mine, so that means they are not too bad.
You’re being modest. Your prices are MUCH better. And you have a long list of reasonably priced wines; few and far between here.
Thank you. The 2010 Uccelliera Rosso is drinking nicely also. Kind of strange that they don’t have more Barbera on their list. Good food wine and the prices would be reasonable. You might consider Beaujolais, especially Morgon. Couple of nice choices on the list and nothing over $50-60.
Go with the San Valentino…it’s user friendly from past vintage experiences…
The food menu is all over the place. Really depends what you order and if pairing is important. Nice Champagne selection.
Varner, Spring Ridge Vineyard, Bee Block, Santa Cruz Mountains 2011 $85
That’s a hell of a wine, and not even quite 2X retail.
In the $60ish range, there are a bunch of Chidaine chenins and Huet that are delicious, food friendly, and really span the gap between wine geeks (yes, you are one) and civilians.
I think if you are separating out and featuring grower Champagnes, having a Special Club section isn’t too weird (and caters to the bottle shape geeks). 
Some expensive stuff, but plenty of good choices under $100 (especially in white from Loire and other places). Fro reds, I liked the Occhinpinti suggestion, the '13 Lapierre is very good as well. I think Neal favors more modern Bordeaux, I might try the de Toren Z (the V has done well as a blind ringer in a couple of Left Bank lineups, I think this is the RB version).
That’s quite a list. The Heitz Martha’s Vineyard 1968 at $1000 is really a pretty good price if the bottle is sound. 
If you are willing to go a little over $100, the Produttori del Barbaresco, Riserva, Rio Sardo 2007 for $115 should be delicious now.
Guerrieri Gonzaga, Terre de San Leonardo, Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2008 @ $50 is a really good wine for the money which should be drinking really well now.
The Uccelliera 2010 Rosso @ $60 should be yummy.