We started with a 2001 Pio Cesare Cortese di Gavi along with a platter of salumi. The Gavi was light, a little sweet with pineapple, and refreshing. We continued the white with an assortment of salads and Parmigiano Reggiano, and then quickly poured the first of the reds.
1982 Borgogno Barolo - A very pretty nose of leather, herbs, dried flowers. The palate showed orange rind, raspberry, and roses and subtle spices. Light tannins that lead to a long, floral finish making this lovely and delicious. We poured a 1989 Borgogno Barolo that was sadly corked.
With the next course of polenta with both both braised rabbit with olives, and chicken livers sauteed with porcini mushrooms, we poured a 1993 Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano. When the bottle was first opened, it was an assault of old leather. The color was surprisingly dark, and the leathery aroma softened with time and showed violets and tea. The palate was dusty and dry and showed some strawberry. A wine for a true Nebbiolo lover - mature, and intriguing. We had to have the 1997 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili alongside the 1993 and, of course, it showed the nature of the vintage, although the color wasn't quite as dark as the previous Giacosa. A nose filled with herbs and roses. Like the 1993, a leathery palate showing strawberries, but fresher tasting, complex, and has the structure to continue aging. Back to Barolo with the next course of pig with apple and red cabbage agro dolce. 1990 Aldo Conterno Bricco Bussia Vigna Colonnello - Very dark with a nose of milk chocolate and tar. Crisp and fresh, there were sweet cherries and roses. Youthful, tannic with lots of power and very compelling. Last up was a baby, 1997 Roberto Voerzio Cerequio - huge aromatic nose of black cherry and spices. Lots of energy and assertive with an attack of dark fruit and chocolate. However, it didn't carry through and the finish wasn't well developed. There were other bottles making appearances at our table, such as a 1974 Oddero , 1978 Aldo Conterno Bricco Bussia and a 1998 Giacosa Santo Stefano Riserva that turned this dinner into another embarrassment of riches.Next Wine Collector's Dinner will be Riesling - can't wait!
