Manhattan Fine Wine and Dine Group

Here is a link to their menu...
Bobby Van's on Park Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

** The cost of this event is $39 and is for the cost of the wines only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a Zero corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines :

2022 Tongue Dancer Chardonnay Pratt Vineyard, Irwin Lane ($50) - CT 94.5, The Drunken Cyclist 95 points, "Whoa. This is on the verge of life-changing. Fairly light in color, more of a pale straw than yellow with a rather demure nose of lemon curd and oak. The palate, however, is far from reserved as this is a rich wine with lovely lemon meringue, a lively zinginess, and a finish that most wines can only fancy. I have had a ton of Tongue Dancer wines now, and they continue to impress, particularly the Chardonnays."

2019 Fidelitas Merlot Red Mountain ($55) - CT 91.6, the only 100% Merlot of the night. Vinous 90 points, "The 2019 Merlot Red Mountain launches from the glass with a burst of orange-tinged blueberries and confectionary spice. It smooths over the palate with supple textures and ripe wild berry fruits—silky, without a hard edge in sight. A coating of subtle tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes with a hint of licorice. This pretty Merlot steps lightly but leaves a lasting impression. (Drink between 2025-2029)"

2011 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard ($55) - CT 91.2, WA 94 points, A Merlot dominant blend of 54% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. "The 2011 Champoux Vineyard is flat out gorgeous. Elegant, perfumed, layered and complex, with lots of sweet currants, licorice, underbrush and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra fine tannin and a great finish. A complete, impeccably put together and balanced wine, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 10-15 years. (2016-2031)"

2016 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags ($50) - CT 90.6, WA 94 points, "Named for the four famous vineyards on Red Mountain, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags immediately shows power and elegance on the nose, with a fresh core of fruit and minerality, showcasing rich and velvety oak tones. The wine is rich and complex on the medium to full-bodied palate that's overflowing and expressive, with good depth and breadth, balanced tannins and the lifting support of oak spices and energetic acidity. It lingers long, with a tannic edge that will settle down with time, making it ready for food now. Only 1,500 bottles were produced. I recommend securing some for yourself before they are all gone! (drink 2020-2036)"

2019 Cayuse Camaspelo ($85) - CT 93.3, JD 97, WA 92+ points, "The 2019 Camaspelo is mostly Cabernet with some Merlot splashed in. The nose begins with a generous and dark fruited frame that is open and expressive with notes of spiced black plum and a soft earthy sensation. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is savory with an umami profile that leads to a soft essence of worn leather and river rock. The wine is generously layered and offers fine-grained tannins that drive the delightfully complex and lingering finish. Only 396 cases were made."

Here is a link to their menu:
Nice Matin Dinner Menu

Nice Matin is located at 201 W. 79th Street, the corner of Amsterdam Ave.

** The cost of this event is $33 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

2015 Château Olivier Blanc ($39) - CT 91.3, WA (90-92) points, "The 2015 Château Olivier Blanc has a lively citrus and lime flower scented bouquet, with pear and almost granitic notes surfacing with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity - green apple, gooseberry and a twist of sour lemon towards the finish. There is something almost Loire-like here, perhaps a little Sancerre-like in style, but irrespective of stylistic semblances, the bottom line is that this constitutes a very fine white Bordeaux that will be delicious from the word go. Drink 2018-2028"

2014 Château Duhart-Milon ($55) - CT 91.3, Vinous Neal Martin (2024) 92 points, "The 2014 Duhart-Milon has a refined bouquet with dark berry fruit, cedar and light graphite scents that gradually unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid blackberry and bilberry notes. It's estuarine in style with a stocky and yet charming finish. This is a quietly impressive Pauillac. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2024-2038)"

2015 Château Gloria ($41) - CT 90.9, JD 92 points, "A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that saw 40% new oak, the 2015 Château Gloria is a beautiful Saint-Julien that’s well worth seeking out and drinking. Blackcurrants, damp earth, spicy oak and hints of leafy herbs all flow to an upfront, elegant, yet fruit forward 2015 that has sweet tannin and good freshness. It’s no doubt a charmer, yet will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Tasted twice. Located in Saint-Julien, Gloria is a 50-hectare estate plated to 10,000 vines per hectare and consists of a mix of clay and sandy soils. While the 2015 is clearly a better wine, both are elegant, classy wines. This estate utilizes the advice of Eric Boissenot. (Drink between 2018-2036)"

2015 Château Siran ($35) - From Margaux and a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. CT 90.9, WA 93 points, "The 2015 Siran has a very poised and focused bouquet with pure black cherry, blackcurrant and violet scents that could only derive from this appellation. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, crisp acidity, firm tannin and toward the end it becomes more masculine in style. It is a very well-crafted Siran clearly built for long-term aging; therefore, give this 5 or 6 years at least so that it can show you what it can do. Edouard Miaihle has overseen one of his finest wines in recent years. (drink 2022-2045)"

2015 Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion ($45) - CT 91, JD 93, WA 91 points, "Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Larrivet Haut-Brion offers up fragrant notes of crushed raspberries, Bing cherries and red plums with hints of baking spices, black tea and potpourri plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied and vibrantly fruited in the mouth with impressive energy and tension, it has a soft, silky frame and finishes on a lingering perfumed note. (drink 2020-2038)"

Here is a link to Jaba's menu: Jaba Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

The cost of this event is $44 and is for the wines and corkage. You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and appetizer ). There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a low corkage.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Lastly: NO DRINKING AND DRIVING

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
Chardonnet & Fils Rosé de Saignée Brut ($45)
Crafted by Domaine Chardonnet & Fils in the Grand Cru village of Avize within the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France, this vibrant Rosé de Saignée Brut is composed of a 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier blend. Unlike standard blended rosés, the rare and labor-intensive saignée method involves allowing the clear juice to macerate on the dark grape skins for a short period, "bleeding" out a deeper ruby color, robust structure, and richer berry flavors. In the glass, it opens with commanding aromas of wild strawberry, dark forest fruits, and ripe cherry that yield to subtle tart rhubarb, while the bone-dry palate delivers bright sour cherry sorbet, citrusy lemon pith, and intriguing savory hints of tarragon before culminating in a clean, tonic-like finish. Because of this distinct tannic structure and weightier mouthfeel, a Rosé de Saignée is widely considered by sommeliers to be the ultimate Champagne for Asian gastronomy. Its bright acidity acts as a perfect palate cleanser that effortlessly cuts through rich glazes and stands up beautifully to deep, savory umami profiles, making it an exceptional pairing for proteins like roasted duck, sweet and savory pork belly, fatty fish such as tuna or salmon, and marinated beef.

Restanques Vacqueyras Blanc 2024 ($40)
Produced by a certified organic, family-run estate in the Southern Rhône Valley, the Mas des Restanques Vacqueyras Blanc 2024 is a classic, full-bodied blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc that consistently earns strong praise and general ratings hovering around 90 points. Aged for six months in oak barrels with regular stirring of the yeast lees, this opulent wine develops a beautifully rich, viscous, and creamy texture. It opens with highly fragrant aromas of white peach, pear, honeysuckle, and brioche, leading into a lush, mouth-coating palate of dried apricot and subtle vanilla, all kept perfectly balanced by the bright freshness of the Clairette grape. When paired with savory, umami-rich Chinese gastronomy, this wine excels by using its substantial weight and aromatic intensity to match the food. The creamy texture flawlessly mirrors rich, glossy sauces like oyster or sesame oil, the exotic floral aromatics serve as a striking counterpoint to pungent ginger and garlic, and its complete lack of tannins ensures no bitter clash with soy sauce or fermented bean pastes, making it an ideal companion for dishes like scallion ginger lobster, drunken chicken, or heavy garlic stir-fries.

Restanques Vacqueyras Mas des Restanques - 2022 ($34) - From the Southern Rhone. JD 93 points, "Silky and weightless yet packed with flavor, the 2022 Mas Des Restanques is a beautifully balanced Vacqueyras with notes of strawberry, blackberry, peppery herbs, and sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied, it has remarkable elegance and ultra-fine tannins that carry through a long, seamless finish. This is 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks." This is a full-bodied, robust wine. The Grenache provides a plush, juicy core of fruit, while the Syrah and Mourvèdre add a backbone of grippy, yet relatively smooth tannins. It finishes with a warm, peppery kick.
It is a classic GSM Blend (predominantly Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre). The 2022 vintage in the Rhône was a "solar year"—extremely hot and dry. This means the grapes got very ripe, resulting in a wine that is generous, rich, and concentrated.

The "secret weapon" of a Southern Rhône GSM blend is its natural affinity for warm spices and savory herbs. This makes it an incredible pairing for the heavier, braised side of Taiwanese cuisine that utilizes Five-Spice powder, star anise, and dark soy sauce.

2021 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($52) - Review for the 2022 vintage, ""Whoa. This is now the seventh vintage of this wine that I have reviewed and I am as smitten as ever ... Shy initially, to the point that I decided to give it a brief decant. Good choice (I have to admit I love it when I am right). Incredible fruit on the nose: great red fruit (cherry, pomegranate, even some red plum), a touch of spice, and a hint of basil. Whoa. The palate is even better with all that fruit, a touch of earth and spice, and a zingy tartness that really brings it all together. Holy cow. This wine helped make a certain debate more than palatable." ~ the drunken cyclist"

2022 LAVINEA Pinot Noir Eola - Amity Hills ($53) - From Oregon, WS 94 points, "Dynamic and deeply structured, this red retains a sense of grace. Multilayered flavors of cherry and cranberry are laced with fresh violet and forest floor accents that persist toward steely tannins. Drink now through 2032. 630 cases made. (drink by 2032)"

Altamirano Italian Ristorante Menu

** The cost of this event is $36 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2021 Garofoli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Anniversario Podium ($29) - Eric Guido for Vinous 93 points, "“The 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Podium is delicate and coy, requiring coaxing to release its pretty bouquet of young peach, raw almonds and sweet smoke. This is elegant, with textures of pure silky and admirable weight, yet maintains marvelous energy throughout. Fresh acidity and saline minerals enliven its rich, ripe nectarine and pear core. The 2021 finishes long and staining, leaving a youthful tension as vanilla custard and candied citrus fade. While perfectly enjoyable today, this is a vintage for the cellar. It bears mentioning that the Podium is produced without any oak, only stainless steel and cement, so we are tasting pure fruit. Drink 2025-2034."

2021 Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT ($40) -I'm not sure what the blend of this Sangiovese dominated wine is for this vintage. Vinous 95 points, "The 2021 Eneo is superb. Bright and effusive, with tons of explosive energy, the 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. Crushed flowers, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and spice are all finely delineated in an Eneo that exudes balance. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. I very much admire the vibrancy here, something that is hard to achieve in this district of Suvereto. (Drink between 2026-2036)"

2018 Montepeloso Costa Toscana Gabbro ($105) - from the same producer, but 100% Cabernet Sauvingnon. I've been dying to try this, so here goes! WA 95+ points, "The 2018 Gabbro is a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, with only 1,400 bottles made. There is a lot of coastal Tuscan sunshine here that smooths over the fruit, adding richness, integration, ripeness and ultimately a terrific sense of balance. Summery black tones of plum, prune, blackberry and dried cherry emerge from the bouquet, pulling forth background tones of spice, tobacco and campfire ash. The wine is full and rich throughout, showing generous layers on the mid-palate and on the very long and pleasurable finish. The tannins are soft and balanced (from both the fruit and the oak), but I'd still recommend a few more years of bottle age before you pop the cork. (drink 2023-2038)"

2020 Schiavenza Barolo Cerretta ($42) - A Gargaste mystery wine, their Mystery wines tend to be hit or miss for me a this one was a hit back in December. WA 93 points, "93 points
The 2020 Barolo Cerretta (with a 15% alcohol content) has dried fruit and baked plum that gives the wine an aged profile. These results are firm and muscular with a powerful approach to the mouthfeel. This wine has some of the metallic or ferrous qualities that I often associate with Serralunga d'Alba. It finishes with a salty, mineral close."

2012 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro ($50) - This is a Aglianico (80%) and Piedirosso blend that always seems to be a hit with our group. WA 94 points "The 2012 Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro touches on many of the glory points that made this such an important cult wine for Campania. Although 2012 was a hot vintage, this wine shows an impressive sense of balance and elegance. This is especially apparent on the nose where it delivers blasts of dark fruit, balsam herb, tar, licorice and volcanic ash with meticulous precision. The fruit is layered, soft and ripe. In fact, the mouthfeel is the wine's best asset. Its fine tannins offer enormous structure, but they are soft and yielding at the same time. This is an open and honest expression of Aglianico (80%) and Piedirosso that has only just begun its long evolution. (drink 2016-2035)"