The menu for the event works its way from the deepest reaches of the great blue sea to the high plains of cattle country. Courses include lobster, duck, lamb and New York strip steak. But it is the wines that stand out. This isn't something that just came over from the store shelves; someone's digging into their cellar. Among the teenaged goodies:
Elyse Morosoli Vineyard Zinfandel 1991
Elyse Howell Mountain Zinfandel 1992
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 1992
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1993
There are other, newer wines, too, but in this market we don't see a lot of tastings offering wines with some age on them. Granted, none of the wines is really old, but putting almost 20 years on a couple of big-bodied Zinfandels is an interesting experiment, and the Beringer Private Reserve (well preserved in a 3-liter bottle) ought to be a real treat.
The dinner in honor of Harper and Davis will be held Thursday, November 19, starting with a reception at 7:00. (The wine being served at the reception is Schramsberg “J. Schram” Brut 1999.) Dinner is served at 7:30. The cost is $150 a person, plus tax and tip.
Tom Johnson writes Louisville Juice and doesn't share his old wine with strangers.