Dinner with Nick P and Dave B
@ Châteauneuf-du-Salil, Albany, NY 12/11/2024
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Salil's friend Nick Pagoria flew in from Chicago. Dave B drove over from Connecticut.
And I made the short jaunt to Salil's. Salil hosted us all for a wonderful meal and wine dinner.
All the food was prepared from scratch by Salil.
This was the first evening of Nick's visit. My write up of
night two is here.
Starter
Salil's fresh focaccia with Billiat-Savarin and Époisses:
Salil's fresh pasta with Bolognese Ragù
The Bolognese Ragù has been slow cooking all day:
(Photo by Salil.)
The fresh pasta does not take long:
(Photos by Salil.)
Flight 1: Nervi Gattinara
First with the cheese and focaccia, then with
Salil's fresh pasta with Bolognese Ragù:
(Photo by Dave B.)
-
2014 Nervi-Conterno Gattinara Vigna Valferana -
Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara
[Pop and pour.] Really tight at first. Muted nose of dried cherries, minerals, and balsam.
Big, juicy complex. Tannic, but well balanced. Should drink really well in a decade or so.
(92–94 points)
-
2014 Nervi-Conterno Gattinara Vigna Molsino -
Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara
[Pop and pour.] Lovely cherry nose. Softer and sweeter than the Valferana.
Strong tannins, but bright beautiful fruit. Should improve for 10-20 years.
(92–94 points)
-
1978 Nervi Gattinara Vigna Molsino -
Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara
[Double-decanted around 5pm.] Smoky nose of forest floor and dried red fruit.
Still has noticeable tannins, but plenty of sour cherries too with a hint of brown sugar.
Probably past its prime. Still quite enjoyable, esp. following the 2014s. (91 points)
Flight 2: The Rest of the Reds
More of Salil's fresh pasta with Bolognese Ragù.
-
1985 Gaja Barbaresco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
[Double-decanted around 5pm.] Gorgeous perfume of red fruit and cedar.
Expansive and complex. What a beautiful, mature Barbaresco. A long, silky finish.
My last bottle from one of the first cases that I ever bought. (95 points)
-
2006 Alain Hudelot-Noëllat Romanée St. Vivant -
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru
[Opened around 5pm. I tasted it around 8pm.] Gorgeous perfume of red fruit and spice.
Just beautiful. A classic red Burgundy. Elegant, complex, and terrific length.
Should drink well for at least another 15-20 years. (95 points)
-
1997 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage -
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
[Pop and pour.] Meaty, black fruit nose with hints of rich mulch. Tannic, expansive.
Smoky and juicy. An excellent wine that needs more time. (95 points)
Dessert Wine
People Pix
Nick, Dave, Salil:
Conclusion
Great to meet Nick and to see Dave again. We had a wonderful evening of food, wine, and comradery.
My tasting notes posted from
CellarTracker.
All original content © Ken Vastola
