Aside from the almost unbearable heat (the airconditioner was broken and the fans just didn't get into the back corner where we were) and the fact that I just do not fit into most booths, we had a great time. As usual, great company and great food. And as usual, these guys made me feel old. It was wonderful to see Doc and Pat again, and now I definitely want to make it to South Africa for a vacation. Oh well, maybe someday.

We let James choose what we would eat for our starters and then everyone picked their own appetizers and desserts. The Polipo alla Griglia, baby octopus poached in olive oil and a lemony chickpea vinaigrette was fantastic. Verdure al Forno, roasted and carmalized veggies was excellent too, but the Prosciutto Crudo, oh wow, wonderful. The Orechietti ai Funghi (mushroom and pasta) and the Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar pasta) were very good also.

The wines were a treat. I can't make much sense of my notes but here goes.

We started with the N.V. Franck Bonville Champagne (did I spell that right) I wish it had been a little colder, but it was quite good, not overly yeasty and quite refreshing.

Next was the 2004 Venica Ronco del Cero Collio del Friuli. Wonderfully crisp, light and refreshing a great Italian Sauvignon Blanc that was perfect as a starter after the champagne.

2004 Argiano Rosso di Montalcino, wow, now I know why Dean said that the 2004 Rossos were so fantastic. A baby Brunello that was easily one of the finest (in my admittedly meager experience) Rossos I've had.

1999 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino - a difficult year for Brunellos according to many, but it appears that they just needed some time. What a wonderful wine. Not at all closed as one would expect of a Brunello of this age, outstanding character, berry and plums, ceder, complex but so easy to drink. I wish I had a bunch of this wine.

2001 Hartenberg Shiraz Estate Wine - I brought this in honor of Doc and Pat. Wonderful Shiraz, not as jammy as the Aussie versions, spice, chocolate, plums and soft tannins.

2004 Scythia Donati Vineyards Scholium Project - I don't really know how to discribe this wine. Powerful but smooth tannins, very fruity, and unruly. This wine makes you think about it. I enjoyed it, but it was like a relationship with a difficult friend.

And for dessert, we had the 1998 Thirty Bench Wines Riesling Icewine. Interesting color, almost a pale golden bronze. Not cloying, sweet without being syrupy, a very nice wine.


If I forgot anything, I'm sure the others will let me know.

It was a great evening - although it was unbearably hot with the broken A/C - it was great seeing Mr. and Mrs. Doc again, and to hear stories about South Africa while eating some good food and drinking some fantastic wine. Unfortunately, for me the temperature really affected my enjoyment of the food/wine and it was really too bad because things would have been very good.

I thought the 1999 Argiano Brunello showed fantastically (dinwiddie, 1999 is supposed to be a pretty good vintage for Brunello), as did the champagne and the icewine. The red wines were difficult to enjoy after about 20 minutes because it became simply too warm.

Good to see the group again, and looking forward to meeting again (in cooler conditions)!

Sorry to hear about the heat, but it sounds like y'all still had a really good, if wet and sticky, time.

Thanks for a great evening everyone. Of course, it was way too hot to truly enough the wines. There were some great wines there, but they were hard to judge at that moment. Great friendship was the most important element to the evening. The food was excellent! We will have to do another Dino DC Cru in better conditions.

See you next time and thanks for organizing. Pat and I had a good time even with the temp.

Doc

it was great to catch up and finally talk with Doc (and Pat). We only briefly met before he moved.

I really enjoyed the Rosso. thought it was great. the heat was pretty difficult. the food was great. first time i have ordered the steak at dino. very tasty.