Dinner with Josh and Karen K and Bob S
at Salty's Pub & Bistro,
Clifton Park, NY (8/18/2014)
Josh Kurek was up in Saratoga for vacation. We met halfway between Saratoga and Albany.
Josh brought his lovely wife Karen. I brought my not-so-lovely friend Bob (aka the wine nazi).
We each contributed some wine and had a grand time.
Starters
Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce. Oysters Rockefeller: Baked with
spinach, cream, smoked bacon & Pernod dressing.
-
2002 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année - France, Champagne
[Disgorged February 2012.] Yeasty tangy nose. Rich and sour in a complex appealing way.
Long finish. A great match to fresh fried calamari. (94 points)
Josh. |
Karen. |
Main Course
Delmonico Steak served with baked potato,
and garnished with sautéed mushrooms,
Salty's beer battered Onion Rings
and grilled vegetables.
-
2010 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barbera d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba
[Same bottle from 8/13/2014 open 5 days.] Nose of earth, black fruit, tar, licorice, and truffles.
Thick and delicious in the mouth. Long spicy finish. Just an amazing traditional Barbera.
Wish I could get more. (93 points)
-
1999 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate -
USA, California, Napa Valley
[Decanted around 1pm. Drunk around 7pm.] Stunning nose of black fruit and flint.
Tannic and tarry in the mouth with a long rich finish.
Superb and drinking really well tonight with ribeye. (94 points)
-
1999 Paolo Scavino Barolo Cannubi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
[Double decanted at 5pm. Drunk around 7pm.]
Gorgeous perfume in the nose, but the palate is a bit of a let down. Still tannic and oaky.
Open 6 days: Still has a lovely perfume but with a note of creme caramel that is
stronger than it should be. Mellow and appealing, but missing a strong Barolo character.
Some tar and licorice, but too much new oak still present. (92 points)
Notes posted from CellarTracker.
A very enjoyable evening of good people, good food, and good wines.
All original content © Ken Vastola