Tasting Notes and Photos from
Wine Dinners, Tastings, and Travel

 

Wine Travel

DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
04/07/2024 '17 Pinson Mont de Milieu, '12 Bouchard NSG Les Cailles, '08 Drouhin Grands-EchezeauxCCT Coray Kitchen, Delmar, NYyesyesno
03/13/2024 2006 Barolo Dinner NVTrattoria One Fifth, NYCyesyesno
03/07/2024 2004 California Cabernet WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
02/03/2024 Bring a Great Nebbiolo NKChez Goldberg, NYCyesyesno
02/03/2024Barolo 2019 @ La Festa del Barolo AG The Grill, NYCyesyesno
01/27/2024 Dave B Visit 2: 09 Egon Müller, 09 Hirtzberger GV, 98 Penfolds 707, 67 PdB Rabaja Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/26/2024 Dave B Visits Albany 1: Auction Rieslings, 95 Grange, 67 G. Conterno Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/09/2024 Reds from Italy & US Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/08/2024 Riesling Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
12/23/2023 '22 Piuze Chablis, '15 Jouan MSD VV, '08 Fantino Riserva Bussia Dardi, '91 Maculan Acininobili Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
11/21/2023 2016 Heitz-Lochardet Les Perrières, 1996 Monprivato, 1989 Yquem Salil's home, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/26/2023 West Coast Pinot Noir WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/14/2023 Chapitre & Induction Dinner: Guyon Charmes-Dessus, Mugnier Bonnes Mares, Bouchard Caillerets, Faiveley Cazetiers, Hospices de Beaune 1er CruCCT Fort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/05/2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesyesno
09/10/2023 Paulée: '11 Drouhin-Vaudon Les Clos, '19 Bouchard Meursault Genevriéres, '06 Chevillon NSG Les Vaucrains, '93 Parent Èpenots '01 Faiveley Corton, and moreCCT Chez Mike, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
04/25/2023 '12 Latour-Giraud Meursault Genevrières, '06 Damoy Chapelle-Chambertin, '12 Bouchard Vosne-Romanée, '10 Bouchard Clos Vougeot, 13 Bouchard L'Enfant JesusCCT Daley's on Yates, Schenectady, NYyesyesno
03/28/2023 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili & Rabajà NVLa Brasserie, NYCyesyesno
02/28/2023 Roagna Barbaresco & Barolo NVMarta, NYCyesyesno
02/21/2023 Baudana Baudana Dinner with Giuseppe Vaira CSWPopina, Brooklynyesyesno
02/04/2023 Monprivato Vertical Dinner NK Chez Goldberg, NYCyesyesno
11/17/2022 Barolo & Barbaresco WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/14/2022 2001 Barolo & Barbaresco NKChez Wolff, Brooklynyesyesno
09/11/2022 '90 Rosé Grande Dame, '08 Faiveley Echezeaux, '13 Guyon Volnay Clos Chênes, '12 Henri Richard Charmes-Chambertin, '16 Royal Tokaji 5 PuttonyosCCT Old Inn On The Green, New Marlborough, MAyesyesno
09/07/2022 Dinner with Dan: Pape Clément Blanc, Lewelling, SQNFWG Chez Mike, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
08/18/2022 White Burgundy WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
04/07/2022 2001 Barbaresco and Barolo NVMarta, NYCyesyesno
04/02/2022 1999 Barolo Dinner NK Chez Goldberg, NYCyesyesno
04/01/2022 Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Piemonte (Vietti table) AGThe Pool, NYCyesyesno
02/06/2022 Paulée: '05 Boillot Mouchère, '92 Remoissenet Champs-Gain, '81 Fleurot Bâtard-Montrachet, '16 Malandes Les Clos, '16 Bichot Latricières, '12 Roche de Bellene Clos de la Roche, and moreCCT Hooked, Latham, NYyesyesno
12/09/2021 White Truffle & 1971 Nebbiolo Chez Goldberg, NYCyesyesno
10/16/2021 1990 Giacosa Falletto Riserva with Chris Thile FWGFWG's Front Porch, Delmar, NYyesyesno
08/09/2021 Bring a Great Barolo NVil Buco, NYCyesyesno
06/27/20211979 Birth Year Nebbiolo FWG Chez FWG, Delmar, NYyesyesno
02/01/2020Barolo 2015 @ La Festa del Barolo AG The Grill, NYCyesyesno
01/31/2020 Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (G. Conterno table)AGThe Pool, NYC yesyesno
11/17/2019 '10 Boillot Mouchère, '11 Faiveley Chambolle Charmes, '07 Dujac Clos de la Roche, '09 Morot Beaune ToussaintsCCT Wishing Well, Wilton, NYyesyesno
08/18/2019 Bricco delle Viole Dinner with Giuseppe Vaira NVFausto, Brooklynyesyesno
04/28/2019 '10 Pillot Clos Saint Jean, '10 Monnier Grand Épenots, '09 Moillard Beaux Monts, '05 Faiveley CortonCCT Chez Mike, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
04/18/2019 1989 Barolo & Barbaresco Blind NVBuona Notte, NYCyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
11/29/2018USA Syrah Blind WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/19/2018 Gaja Lunch with Gaia Gaja FWGAi Fiori, NYCyesyesno
08/02/2018Blind Alsace Kaiseki Dinner WCCShogun Sushi & Sake Bar, Delmar, NYyesyesno
07/14/2018 Gaja, Produttori, Emidio Pepe with Larry & Marge Kirsch 677 Prime, Albany, NYyesyesno
06/09/2018 Chapitre & Induction Dinner: Fèvre, Pousse d'Or, Ponsot, HumbertCCT Schuyler Meadows Club, Loudonville, NYyesyesno
06/04/2018 Indigena World Tour: Monferrato, Langhe, Aglianico, Marche Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, NYCyesyesno
04/30/2018 Domaine Bertagna Tasting with Eva Reh Yono's, Albany, NYyesyesno
04/07/2018 '09 Dauvissat Forest, '08 Faiveley Rugiens, '06 Pousse d'Or CortonCCT R&R Kitchen and Bar, Saratoga Springs, NYyesyesno
02/03/2018Barolo 2013 @ La Festa del Barolo AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
11/19/2017 '08 Hospices Savigny 1er Cru, '08 Drouhin Chambolle 1er Cru, '09 H Boillot Genevrières, '07 F Magnien Charmes-ChambertinCCT Table Six, Kemble Inn, Lenox, MAyesyesno
11/02/2017Margaux AOC Blind WCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
10/01/2017Paulée: '07, 09 PYCM Corton-Charlemagne, '04 Ponsot CdlR, '05 Remoissenet CSD, '97 Anne Gros Richebourg, and more CCTLe Canard Enchaîné, Kingston, NY yesyesno
08/08/2017Alto Piemonte The Gander, NYCyesyesno
06/13/2017 Vietti Dinner with Luca Currado NVAi Fiori, NYCyesyesno
05/25/2017Australian Shiraz Blind WCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
04/29/2017 Monfortino: 1934—1968 storeNY Vintners, NYCyesyesno
03/29/2017'14 Dauvissat Chablis, '05 Jadot Clos Vougeot, '11 Ch. Laribotte FWGYono's, Albany, NYyesyesno
03/25/2017 2013 Bruno Giacosa Rabajà and Rocche FWGHome, Delmar, NYyesyesno
03/23/2017 Saint Estèphe Blind WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
02/04/2017Barolo 2012 @ La Festa del Barolo AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
02/03/2017Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (Massolino table) AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
12/01/2016 Pre-2000 Brunello & Chianti WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
11/13/2016'07 Mugneret NSG Chaignots, '06 Giroud Épenots, '05 Taupenot-Merme Mazoyères-ChambertinCCT Salt & Char, Saratoga Springs, NYyesyesno
10/07/2016 1978 & 1982 Barolo & Barbaresco NKDovetail, NYCyesyesno
09/29/2016 2000–2009 Red Bordeaux Blind & 1929 Ch. Margaux WCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
08/22/2016 Cantina Bartolo Mascarello Vertical NVHearth, NYCyesyesno
07/28/2016Priorat Blind WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesyesno
07/02/2016Index of my 2016 trip to Piedmont FWGTurin, Barolo, Barbaresco, Italyyesyesno
06/15/2016 1996 Barolo & Barbaresco Dinner NVL'Apicio, NYCyesyesno
05/28/2016 Aged Nebbiolo & a Few Burgs at BerserkerFest WBPeking Duck House, NYCyesyesno
05/19/2016Grenache Blind WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
04/17/2016 '07 Boillot Corton-Charlemagne, '08 Drouhin Chablis Les Clos, '05 Jadot Corton-Pougets, '03 Remy Latricières-Chambertin CCTOtesaga Resort, Cooperstown, NYyesyesno
02/06/2016Barolo Dinner NKL'Apicio, NYCyesyesno
02/06/2016 2011 Barolo Tasting @ La Festa del Barolo AGFour Seasons, NYCyesyesno
02/05/2016 Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (Vajra table) AGFour Seasons, NYCyesyesno
12/15/2015Cappellano Barolo NVLusardi's, NYCyesyesno
12/10/2015 Nebbiolo Dinner with Punch Brothers FWGPeck's Arcade, Troy, NYyesyesno
11/14/20151989 Barolo NKDovetail, NYCyesyesno
11/13/2015Mostly 1985 Nebbiolo NKAmali, NYCyesyesno
11/05/2015 Chateau Musar and Château Montrose Blind WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NY yesyesno
08/11/2015 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Vertical NVI Trulli, NYCyesyesno
07/16/2015 White Burgundy Blind: Dead or Alive? WCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
07/08/2015 Barolo & Burgs with Ed Zimmerman & Chris Thile White Street, NYCyesyesno
07/06/2015 Lunch with Jeremy Parzen (old Nebbiolo) FWGI Trulli, NYCyesyesno
07/06/2015 Franciacorta with Jeremy Parzen I Trulli, NYCyesyesno
06/04/20151990s California Cabernet Blind WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
05/14/2015 G. Conterno Barolo vs. L. Sandrone Barolo NVMorrell Wine Bar and Café, NYCyesyesno
04/16/20152005 California Cabernet BlindWCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NY yesyesno
02/07/2015 2010 Barolo Tasting & Lunch @ La Festa del Barolo AGFour Seasons, NYCyesyesno
02/06/2015 Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (Burlotto table) AGFour Seasons, NYCyesyesno
01/07/2015 Barbaresco: 1985, 1998, & 2001 NVNY Vintners, NYCyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
11/20/20142001 California Cabernet BlindWCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NY yesyesno
10/16/2014 Mostly Grand Cru Red Burgundy Blind WCCAndrew Plummer's, E. Greenbush, NYyesyesno
09/12/2014 1999 & 2001 Barolo Blind NVNY Vintners, NYCyesyesno
08/18/2014 Dinner with Josh & Karen K & Bob S WBSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesyesno
07/31/2014 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blind WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
06/21/2014Berserker Fest #7 WBJay Hack's, White Plains, NYyesyesno
06/12/2014 Produttori del Barbaresco 2009 Horizontal
and More with Aldo Vacca
store Vintages Wine Store & il Casale, Belmont, MA yesyesno
05/29/2014 Donelan Family Wines with Joe Donelan WCCYono's, Albany, NYyesyesno
05/07/2014Emidio Pepe 50th Anniversary DinnerrestL'Artusi, NYCyesyesno
04/17/2014California Cabernet 2004 WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/23/2014Petite Sirah Blind WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/15/2014 1989 Barolo & Barbaresco Single Blind BBI Trulli, NYCyesyesno
11/07/2013 St. Julien with Andrew Plummer & Jim Rua WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/27/2013 Giacosa Asili Riservas & Falletto/Rocche del Falletto Riservas RareDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
10/03/20132000 Bordeaux Blind WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
08/22/2013Barolo & Barbaresco BlindWCCYono's, Albany, NYyesyesno
05/10/2013 Lunch with Jeremy Parzen (old Nebbiolo) FWGIl Buco Alimentari & Vineria, NYCyesyesno
05/09/2013Vallana Alto Piemonte Vertical: 2010 — 1954Rare Del Posto, NYCyesyesno
04/27/2013Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (Brovia table) AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
04/27/2013 Barolo 2008 @ La Festa del Barolo AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
04/04/2013California Cabernet 1997WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NY yesyesno
03/08/20131989 Barolo NKNoMad, NYCyesyesno
01/31/2013Rioja Blind WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
10/05/2012Cappellano Barolo VerticalNKMaialino, NYCyesyesno
06/01/2012 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vertical NKJoe & Magda's, NYCyesyesno
04/16/2012 Cantina (Bartolo) Mascarello 1952-1971 RareBar Boulud, NYCyesyesno
03/09/2012 Produttori Rabajà Vertical & 1978 Horizontal with Aldo Vacca RareDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
01/31/2012 G.B. Burlotto with Fabio Alessandria RareDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
01/18/2012 Domenico Selections with Jeff Mazen WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesyesno
12/07/2011Barbaresco & Barolo 2001 BBTolani, NYCyesyesno
10/14/2011 Barolo including Giacosa Rionda Riserva VerticalNKMaialino, NYCyesyesno
09/15/2011 California Cabernet 2001 WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
07/28/2011 Red Bordeaux 2003-2005 WCCYono's, Albany, NYyesnono
06/30/2011California Cabernet 2007WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
05/26/2011 Rhone Varietals from Around the World WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesyesno
05/20/2011 Champs, Burgs, Barolo, Malbec, Winemakers BBLeo & Connie'syesyesno
03/31/2011Mostly Lynch-Bages VerticalWCCTaste, Albany, NYyesyesno
03/26/2011Gala Dinner @ La Festa del Barolo (G. Rinaldi table) AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
03/26/2011 Barolo 2006-07 @ La Festa del Barolo AGDel Posto, NYCyesyesno
02/17/2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYnonono
02/16/2011Barolo 1990 BBPaprika, NYCyesyesno
02/08/2011 Giacosa with Riccardo Campinoti NKIl Corso, NYCyesyesno
01/06/2011Tuscan 1990 Reds WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
11/11/2010Dinner with Bobby Kacher WCCYono's, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/09/2010Barolo 1990: Traditional vs. ModernNKPrivate Home, NYyesyesyes
10/07/2010Amarone WCCDorato's, Guilderland, NYyesyesno
08/23/2010Produttori del BarbarescoBBBraeburn, NYCyesyesno
07/22/2010 White, Not Chardonnay WCCCreó, Albany, NYyesyesno
06/28/2010Barolo 1998 BBPaprika, NYCyesyesno
06/17/2010Barolo NKPepolino, NYCyesyesno
06/17/2010White Burgundy WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYnonono
05/12/2010Barolo WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
03/04/2010 California Cabernet 2004 WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
02/27/2010 Barolo & Barbaresco 1985 NKAlto, NYCyesyesno
02/26/2010Giacosa NKJoe & Magda's, NYCyesyesno
01/31/2010 Cali Reds & Lugeresque Steaks BBPratt's Inn, Yorktown, NYyesyesyes
01/29/2010La Spinetta with Giorgio RivettistoreJohn Andrew's, S. Egremont, MA yesyesno
12/10/2009 Burgundy Red Grand Cru WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
09/03/2009California Pinot Noir WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
08/06/2009Oregon Pinot Noir WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesyesno
06/13/2009 Saxon Offline (Champs, US Reds) BBZach's near Mt. Snowyesyesyes
06/04/2009Bordeaux First Growths WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesyesno
03/26/2009Northern Rhone Reds WCCProvence, Albany, NYyesnono
02/26/2009Bordeaux 1982 WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
01/14/2009 Produttori del Barbaresco with Aldo Vacca RareConvivio, NYCyesyesno
DateThemeGroup LocationTN?Pix? Flash?
10/25/2008Barolo & Kutch 2007BBLa Ciccia, San Francisco yesyesyes
10/02/2008Petite Sirah WCCFilet 7 West, Latham, NYyesyesno
08/18/2008Barolo & Barbaresco BBA Rooftop in NYCyesyesno
06/22/20081990s California Cabernet BBPratt's Inn, Yorktown, NYnoyesno
05/03/2008 Italy: Campania, Puglia, Sicily storeThe Spirit Shoppe, S. Egremont, MAyesyesno
04/17/2008California Cabernet BBBackstreet Wine Salon, Phoenix, AZyesyesno
01/27/2008 Cali Reds & Lugeresque Steaks BBPratt's Inn, Yorktown, NYyesyesno
11/29/2007Beaucastel WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesyesno
10/25/2007 Dominus vs. Ridge Montebello WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesnono
10/13/2007Barolo NKBabbo in NYCyesyesno
07/28/2007 Barolo with Mark Rosenthal BBPrimavera in NYCyesyesno
03/22/2007 California Cabernet 2001 WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesnono
03/10/2007Barolo (Mostly Monfortino) NKGreg's in NYCyesyesno
01/20/2007Giacosa, MonfortinoNKDella Notte, Baltimore yesyesno
DateThemeGroup Location TN?Pix?Flash?
11/29/2006 Giacosa Santo Stefano Vertical BBJohn Gilman's, Croton, NYyesyesno
11/02/2006Argentine Malbecs WCCNicole's Bistro, Albany, NYyesyesno
06/01/2006Tuscan Reds WCCCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesnono
04/20/2006France & California BBChristophe, Montrealyesyesno
03/23/2006 Barolo with Mauro Mascarello NKPrivate home in NYCyesyesno
02/20/2006Giacosa, Monfortino, SassicaiaNKDella Notte, Baltimore yesyesno
02/16/2006Bring Your Best Red WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesnono
01/28/2006 Barolo (F. Rinaldi, L. Sandrone, ...) NKPrivate home in NYCyesyesno
11/17/2005California Syrah WCCMo's BBQ, Troy, NYyesnono
10/06/2005California Cabernet 1991WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NY yesnono
09/15/2005Barolo & Barbaresco NKTabard Inn, Washington, DCyesyesno
08/11/2005Barolo RicoFest NKBerta's Chateau, Wanaque, NJyesyesno
08/02/2005 Hermitage & Wiemer TBA BBChez Vastola, Delmar, NYyesnono
07/25/2005Pride/Foley w/ Bob Foley BBStonehedge Inn, Tyngsboro, MAyesyesno
07/21/2005White Burgundy WCCSalty's Pub, Clifton Park, NYyesnono
07/18/2005Montelena Estate Cabernet BBBeacon, NYCnoyesno
06/29/2005 Pax Wine Cellars w/ Pax Mahle & Joe Donelan BBValbella Ristorante, Greenwich, CTyesyesno
05/26/2005Riesling WCCPlum Blossom, Troy, NYyesnono
04/28/2005Aussie Shiraz WCCMo's BBQ, Troy, NYyesnono
03/24/2005 Châteauneuf Pre-1991 WCCNicole's Bistro, Albany, NYyesnono
03/14/2005 Shafer Hillside Select w/ Doug Shafer BBPost House, NYCyesyesno
03/03/2005 California Cabernet 1968-78 WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesnono
02/03/2005Tuscan Reds WCCCarmine's, Albany, NYyesnono
DateThemeGroup Location TN?Pix?Flash?
11/18/2004 Bordeaux Pre-1989 & Ch. La Gatte WCCNicole's Bistro, Albany, NYyesnono
10/07/2004Bordeaux 1990 WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesnono
09/02/2004Bordeaux 1989 WCCSpringwater Bistro, Saratoga Springs, NYyesnono
05/17/2004Italian w/Roy HershBBMontrachet, NYCyesnono
05/06/2004 California Cabernet 1994 WCCPatroon House, Glenmont, NYyesnono
04/28/2004 85 Solaia, 90 Seghesio, 97 Bussola TB BBCafé Capriccio, Albany, NYyesnono
03/18/2004 My Favorite Wines (10th Year) WCCPatroon House, Glenmont, NYyesnono
01/25/2004Italian Wines BBIl Cenácolo, Newburgh, NYyesnono
01/17/2004Birthday Dinner FWGPatroon House, Glenmont, NYyesnono
03/17/2003 D'Arenberg w/ d'Arry & Chester Osborn storeLe Meridien Hotel, Bostonnoyesno
DateThemeGroup Location TN?Pix?Flash?
12/01/1995Sassicaia Vertical WCCMy home, Guilderland, NYnonono
12/01/1994Reds from Tuscany WCCFort Orange Club, Albany, NYyesnono
11/10/19941990 Red Burgundy WCCL'Auberge, Albany, NYyesnono
09/29/19941983 Red Bordeaux WCCFrank F, Menands, NYyesnono
07/14/1994White Burgundy WCCBob S, Slingerlands, NYyesnono
05/01/19931990 Bordeaux plus storeHotel Northampton, Northampton, MAyesnono
05/15/199258 Bartolo Ris, 83 Yquem La Panoramica, Loranzè, Italyyesyesno
DateThemeGroupLocationTN?Pix? Flash?



Wine Travel


San Francisco and Napa Valley (April 2003)


All the photos from this trip.

Jump directly to Napa Valley pictures (Mondavi and Togni Wineries).



Napa Excursion with Tony E, April 1998


KSV at Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley
The Cabernet vineyard at Togni Vineyards
high above Napa Valley.
Tony Ephremides, Mrs. Togni and the Togni cat
in the barrel cellar.

More Napa 1998 photos are here.



Sonoma Excursion with Tony E, April 1993


Tony E, Joel Peterson, and the FWG
in front of the Ravenswood Winery.
Tony E at the tasting bar
in the Ravenswood Winery.




Dinner with Orley Ashenfelter, February 27, 1992


Colleagues in the engineering school at Princeton arranged for their colleague from the Economic Dept. Prof. Orley Ashenfelter to give a seminar on his economic modeling and prediction of wine prices and vintage quality entitled Using the Weather to Predict the Quality of Fine Wines. At the time, he was publishing a newsletter on this topic. Afterwards, a group of us went to dinner at Hamilton's Grill Room in Trenton, NJ.

Click on an image with a border for a larger view of that image.

Clockwise around the table: Marie Liu, Sanjeev Kullkarni, Stu Schwartz, KSV,
Tony Ephremides, Sergio Verdu, Vince Poor, Orley Ashenfelter, Bede Liu.

Vince Poor, Orley Ashenfelter, Bede Liu.



A Visit to Angelo Gaja's Winery, September 1990


My friend Ezio arranged through his friend Gianfranco Lanzio for us to visit the Gaja Winery where we had a thorough tour of this amazingly modern winery. Angelo Gaja himself took the Americans in the group on a tour, while his enologist Guido Ravella took the Italians in the group on a tour. Ezio commented that he thought he was in Napa, not the Langhe.

Click on an image with a border for a larger view of that image.

Angelo Gaja (center) and Aldo Vacca (right) greeting us at his winery in Barbaresco in 1990.
Poet & guide-book author Daniel Halpern, who was also visiting the winery, is on the left.

Angelo's assistant at the time was Aldo Vacca. A year later, Aldo Vacca would replace his father Celestino Vacca as managing director of the Produttori del Barbaresco and go on to lead that winery to great success.

Angelo Gaja shows Gianfranco Lanzio a magnum of 1987 Gaia e Rey Chardonnay
at his winery in Barbaresco in 1990 before bringing it to lunch.
Ezio teases me One of the great wine experiences of your life . . . and no label!

Lunch with Angelo Gaja (center) at Ristorante La Pergola in Vezza d'Alba (near Barbaresco) in 1990.
Ezio Biglieri is left-front. Daniel Halpern is on the left next to Gaja. Gianfranco Lanzio is on the right next to Gaja.
That's me 2nd from the right.

Here is is my report on another visit to the Gaja winery in 2016.



A Visit to Elio Altare's Winery, September 1990


My friend Ezio took me to the Altare winery. Elio came out to greet us, but explained that it was harvest time and he was too busy. Ezio told him we had come all the way from New York to see him, so he said ok, a short visit. Three hours later, I took this photo.
Click on an image with a border for a larger view of that image.

 

 


All original content © Ken Vastola