Del Posto Ristorante

85 10th Ave

New York, NY 10011

Tel (212) 497-8090

This was one of the more casual dinners I have enjoyed recently at Del Posto, but as always the food, wine and service were superb. Del Posto’s Lobster Salad was just a touch spicy for my taste, but otherwise delicious. The 2006 Blanc de Noirs from Ulysse Collin took a little time to find its balance in the glass, but when it did it was stunningly beautiful. Rich, warm and expansive, the wine covered every inch of the palate with layers of fruit. Olivier Collin is one of the most dedicated and passionate of Champagne’s young growers. His wines deserve a much wider audience. This bottle of the 2006 Blanc de Noirs exceeded my expectations.

The Orecchiette with Lamb Neck Ragu was a beautiful rendition of this central Italian classic. My lamb rack was perfectly cooked and seasoned, not to mention it was a gorgeous dish with our two Baroli. Brovia’s 2000 Barolo Villero was surprisingly soft, forward and ethereal. I expected more richness considering the vintage, but the wine nevertheless impressed for its elegance and refinement. It was sublime, but I wouldn’t hold on to bottles too much longer. I rarely pass up an opportunity to drink Mascarello’s 1999 Barolo Monprivato, one of the most legendary wines to emerge from this historic cellar. The 1999 Monprivato remains young, powerful and massively structured. It is still many years from peak, but that didn’t diminish our enjoyment at all.

We finished with a stunning bottle of Dal Forno’s 1990 Amarone, which was in great shape. Early tertiary notes added complexity to a rich, textured core of fruit. Despite its age, the 1990 remains sumptuous and sexy. It is a great choice for current drinking.

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