I'm meeting my sister, who is very dear to me, for dinner tomarrow. I thought I'd take something nice as a special treat for her. Neither of us have been to the restaurant at which we are meeting but the food runs to "New American". So what would you suggest we open (or maybe two)?

1997 B.V. Tapestry
2000 Argyle Nuthouse
1995 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
1999 Rochioli PN Russian River Valley
1996 Beringer Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain Third Century
1998 Della Vale Sangiovese Napa Valley Pietre Rosse

go with the tapestry

I would take the Rochioli.

You know you have six different wines and you are going to get eight or ten different answeres

Here is my vote:

1. Beringer Cab Franc

2. Rochioli

3. Tapestry.

But I love Cabernet Franc, and the Beringer is a good one. Had the 96 last October. Yummy.

Another vote for the Cab Franc -- that one is ready to go and pairs well with many foods.

Have a great dinner.

only half off topic, but the Dalla Valle Sangiovese is actually pretty good, but I'd drink it over the next couple of years.

I have no idea, but any you don't want to drink I happily will.

After looking at the menu on the net, I decided on the Richoili as I felt it would go better with most of the things on the menu. (My second choice was the Tapestry, but I knew my wife and sister would prefer to order fish, so I didn't) The corkage fee was $15, fairly normal for DC, and the server checked to make sure the wine was not on thier list then offered to open it when I wanted. I asked her to do so right then so it would have as much time to breath as possible. (we were waiting for my sister to arrive)

I really enjoyed the Richoili. Complex with lots of lush, yet not jammy fruits, cherry, blackberry and a hint of spice. As the evening progressed (it was difficult to wait until entrees were served, but we managed by having a glass from the list with the appetizers) it opened up and brightened with a long, clean finish. Both women (wife and sister) commented that it became much better as the evening went on. I wish I had been able to decant it for a couple of hours before dinner, but that is a no-no in DC. I agree with the 91 pts it got from WS.

Dinner was very good. The boy started with oysters on the half shell (very fresh and plump, with a real taste of the the sea) then had the New York strip steak. It came just as ordered, very rare, and was very tender and flavorful. He ended with the cheesecake (very large slice)

I had the Crispy Fried Calamari with Guajillo Chile Cocktail Sauce and Roasted Garlic-Lemon Aïoli then the crispy duck breast in a cabernet sauce with garlic mashed potatos and baby green beans. For dessert I had the chocolate pecan torte and a glass of the 1996 Tokaji Aszu 5 puttonyos. All were excellent though at $13.50 a glass, the Tokaji was a little high.

My wife had Frisée and Romaine Salad with goat cheese, sour apples, walnuts and a sherry vinaigrette then Pan Roasted Chesapeake Rockfish with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Scallions, Radish and Citrus Soy. She also had the torte for dessert.

My sister started with Spinach Salad with Dried Cherries, Stilton Cheese and Red Onion Dressing then an asparigass and mushroom rossotto that was outstanding, and ended with the Creme Broule.

Coffee for all ended the meal.

The entire meal, including tax, tip (20%), and corkage for the four of us cost me about $220.

Nice place, nice company, good service, and good wine. Made for a great night of family catch up.

YUM!!!!