I too am having trouble trying to figure out what to bring.  James sets the bar so high.

 

I am thinking that a 2000 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes might be nice and keep with the suggestion Dean made the last time I saw him to bring a Rhone.  I was thinking of bringing a 2001 Riccardo Talenti Brunello di Montalcino Pian del Conte but I feel a little intimidated bringing an Italian wine to Dino. 

I think I can make it - but I might have trouble making it by 7PM - more like 7:30. My youngest son's basketball team - that I coach - has practice that night until 6:15. I had thought our season would be over this week - but I hadn't factored in the playoffs (so it will be a very important practice to boot!)...I've also never been to Dino and don't know where it is...but I'll manage. 

 

As for what to bring - I assume with the theme of "down to the last bottle" or such you are assuming that it applies to wines you have had more then one of - so with that in mind I checked through my cellar and came up with some possibilities. (not sure any of them would meet the "producer no one has ever had before" qualification)...actually I'd be surprised if none of you hadn't tried many of these....So here are some possibilities:

 

2001 JJ Prum Gracher Himmelreich Spatlese (the last of what was really a very fine lot)

 

1999 Guigal CNdP - OK - not an unknown producer by any means (and just an OK wine) - but it was WOTY for WS I believe and its the last of about a case of this I''ve had (and already mostly all drunk) - would be interested to open this one just for curiosity sake...its been a few years since I last had one of its siblings...one reason to possibly hold off is that I have several years in a row - 98-01 - and might be interested in opening them all once...well maybe anyway...

 

1997 Ceretto Barolo Brunate (a favorite - what can I say...and down to one...boo hoo..)

 

2001 St Cosme Gigondas - last of a case of what was truly a great drinking S Rhone (peppery perfection!)...it may already be on its downside just a bit...or at least that is how its predecesor seemed to me...so certainly ready to drink...

 

1999 Palacios Dofi Piroat....I know Jaimitown knows what I am talking about here...(and sadly, for me, the last remaining...)

 

1997 Valdicava Brunello - OK - I've ever only had this one...and have never tried it yet (obviously)...but have been dying to...the quality from this producer has been on the rise - big time -  beginning with this vintage...if the experts are to be believed. (I have all sorts of 97 Brunello BTW and I really think I am not going to hesitate drinking any of them now...had an Altesino the other day that was literally out of this world good...)

 

Anyway - I'm in if its OK that I perhaps run a bit late...and I would be happy to bring one or more of the above - let me know (jaime I'm sure I already know your vote!)

OK, I've decided to go with the orphan in the cellar theme instead of bringing the Rhone that I have 5 of left.

 

Since we don't have a cabernet, I think I'll bring a 2000 Luis Felipe Edwards Cabernet Sauvignon DOÑA BERNARDA Coleccion Privada.  I haven't tried it in a couple of years and I think it should be at its peak.  Besides, it has been a while since we had something from South America at one of these dinners.  I'll bring some other orphan as a back up in case (heaven forbid) it is somehow corked.

Norm,

 

Wendy and I would love to join you, but we are still trying to catch up from the Hawaii trip.  Please count us in for a March event and have a great time tomorrow! 

 

Regards,

Dan

I'll leave it to TJ to supply TNs because as usual he was the one entering our comments into his PDA.  Needless to say it was a great meal and great wine.  Wine from 4 different continents, and all of us were having difficulty deciding which was our WOTN.  The line up:

 

2000 Luis Felipe Edwards Cabernet Sauvignon DOÑA BERNARDA Coleccion Privada
2002 WesMar Pinot Noir Piner Ranch RRV
2005 Clos du Mont Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet
2002 Clarendon Hills Grenache Clarendon Vineyard 
 

Winoman, sorry you weren't able to make it, I hope your better half if feeling better real soon.

 

Dean, thanks for being such a great host, the food and service were both fantastic, and you were right on as to choosing things that would complement the wines we brought.  Not to mention that as always it was great talking to you.

 

Norm, sorry about the train, I guess dashing on before the door closes is a habit from many years of commuting to and from work on the METRO.  I hope you didn't have to wait too long for the next one, but at that time of night, I assume you probably did.

Very sorry I had to miss it guys but maintining tranquility at home was of higher priority...I'll make it up by bringing extra next time!

 

All the wines sound like they were great - but I don't even know the first 2 at all...I have some 04 of the CNdP though haven't had any yet (but am expecting good things and the 05 is likely better...though I imagine quite young and powerful) and I'm sure the 02 Clarendon Hills was magnificent!