My deep thanks to Dan Hammer for arranging this dinner at Northern Square. Ambiance and service were great and excellent filet. I hadn’t seen Dan in quite some time, so I was very happy to have some time. My first time meeting Evan and Stephen–Di Fara’s regulars—and hopefully not the last
Egly-Ouriet Brut Rose Grand Cru
July 2014 disgorgement, thanks to Evan for this bring. Grapefruit for sure, bit of unripe watermelon too. Excellent wine–firm and savory, with herbs accenting lemon, grapefruit and unripe strawberry. High quality and no diminution throughout the night as we came back to it.
2019 Dagueneau Silex
I never quite know what I’m going to get with one of these, but decided to chance it and glad I did. Nose has touches of brine, seashelll and light, light greens around lemonseed cake. Dans la bouche, it’s slithery-good. Really good. No ungainly edges, this is silky with capiscum, nettles and sweet lemoncurd. Hint of granny smith apple later. Subtlety is on parade, a dynamite SB and my #2 tonight
2021 Miani Friuli Colli Orientale SB
Stephen brought this to contrast with the Silex. As different as can be. Whoa—dragonfruit for sure with other tropical, but also tart fruit having a say. To taste, it’s very perfumey and concentrated…and very truffle-oriented later on the nose. A very fascinating wine, I’m glad to have tried it.
1990 Chateau Gruaud-Larose
I love, love that Cordier funk, on display here. Macerated cherry and plum behind sandalwood aromatics. Lots going on. And it’s licklicious, a beautiful and vibrant expression of sweet raspberry, boysenberry and liquid pipe tobacco. Love it! WOTN. Big thanks to Stephen.
1992 Togni Cab
Evan toted this along as a counterpoint to the 90 G-L. Bouquet speaks of plum, black forest cake and a dab of espresso. Quite expressive. Still very rich and full, meats here with black plum and blackberry. Comes into nice focus with time in the glass.
2018 Dirty & Rowdy Evanghelo Mourvedre
I brought this to have some fun. And we did. The still-shy nose seems lean towards some mocha and possibly motor oil. Palate is fun and carefree, with boysenberry nuances and touches of earth.
2012 Schrader RBS Cab
Dan brought this at my request—very grateful! The nuzzie already speaks of untapped potential with rich blue and black fruit. It’s big to taste, with red cherry joining the blue and black fruit, but everything is within its proportion (listed 14.5%, I guessed about 14.9). I can see this getting even better with another 4-5 years in bottle. It’s a true expression of this style of Cali Cab and high quality on that front.
Another great night with old and new friends.
Mike