quote:
Originally posted by Shaferguy91:
Last night @ Bari restaurant in Memphis with LaTour67, Max, BHVineyard, Vette, Vette Jr. and Blytheville Doc. We had lots (too many says my head) of wonderful mostly Italian wines.
I brought a 1999 Fanti(Tenuta San Filippo) Brunello di Montalcino.
Yes, great night of wines and conversation. Lots of fun. I can't remember all the wines but here is what I do.
2006 Peter Michael Chardonnay (vineyard?). I felt the heat was coming through a bit much for my taste, but still a nice starter.
1992 Domaine Aux Moines Savennieres-Roche aux Moines: I brought this wine after taking a peak at Bari's cheese menu before leaving the house. I felt it would be a good match with some of the goat cheeses Bari had to offer. I thought maybe this wine would be a bit tired, but I was wrong. This bone dry Chenin Blanc from Loire picked up some weight as it opened in the glass and got closer to room temperature. The nuttiness and acidity paired well with the cheese course.
1985 Mascarello Barolo Alba: I brought this wine as well even though I was scolded by Vette at the restaurant for bringing 2 bottles
This bottle was in pristine condition with the cork being saturated only 1/4" up. A bit maderized on the nose but eventually blew off. Seemed a little tired on the palate at first but opened up to be a lively traditionally made barolo. My WOTN even though I don't like voting for my own wine but this bottle just suited my palate the most.
1990 Gaja (Costa Russi?)It was very interesting to try this bottle after the 1985 Mascarello. There is a distinct difference in the wine making techniques with the Gaja being made in a more modern style. This bottle was decanted roughly an hour or so at the restaurant and could have used more. Just a baby to me but still manages to keep the velvety tannins in check. Great wine and hope to try it again in 10 years.
1999 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino: I can't remember how long Shaferguy91 said he decanted this wine for but it did this bottle some good. This bottle seemed to be just entering it's prime time drinking window with an ample amount of dark fruits finely balanced out with just the right amount of acidity. Tannins seem to be just starting to reside letting the fruit take center stage. This wine got several WOTN honors.
2001 Oreno: This wine was drinking perfectly last night. Vette brought this bottle and I'm certain he decanted it, I just don't know for how long. This bottle was at peak and I don't think there is any room for improvement. On the nose it very much resembled a mature bordeaux with a bit of herbal overtones. The palate showed vibrant fruit, velvety tannin and just enough acidity to show it's regional character. The Sangiovese in this bordeaux blend plays a supporting role without dominating in any way. Great wine and my #2 wine of the evening.
2006 Almaviva: Brought by BHVineyard. This wine was served blind without being decanted. I would have like to have spent more time with this wine to see how much it changed. The nose was a bit muted with a bit of a green streak. The palate seemed a bit closed only giving off a hint of the cabernet fruit. After a few minutes in the glass it starts to open up a bit more but still seemed to have herbal overtones that was distracting to me. I guessed a bordeaux blend from a cooler climate with South America being my first choice followed by Washington state. Again, I feel like this would have shown better given time.
There was another wine brought by BHVineyard that was a 2005 Burgundy but the name totally escapes me right now. I remember it drinking very young and that's all I remember about it.
Like Shaferguy91 stated, lots of wine; actually too much wine, lots of fun and great, great company. Bari is a great traditional Italian restaurant specializing in coastal cuisine. Our server did an outstanding job keeping fresh glasses and was very helpful with the menu. Can't wait to do this again.
