Small Group, Short Notice @ Bobby Van's

Spur of the moment, I decided to host a small group at Bobby Van's. I have room in my wine bag for 3 bottles, so for this dinner, 1 white, 2 reds for 5 people at perennial group favorite Bobby Van's on Park.

Bobby Van's on Park is located on the corner of Park Avenue and 46th Street. The entrance is in the East side walkway that connects 45th and 46th Streets.

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 $36 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 $5 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2023 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($50) - This is Rivers-Marie's entry level Chardonnay, and dollar for dollar, I think it is the best Chard in their portfolio. Wine Spectator 93 points, "Vibrant and intense, with terrific energy behind the candied lemon peel, kumquat and lemon tart flavors, plus touches of honeycomb and lemon balm. Hints of green tea, dried pineapple and crunchy sea salt linger on the finish"

2020 Soos Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard Block 4 ($40) - I LOVE this vineyard and I think Soos Creek is one of those wineries that always punches above its weight class. Sean Sullivan of the Northwest Wine Report gave it 95 points, "Fruit for this wine comes from Washington’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon site. Blended with 15% Merlot and aged in half new French oak, aromas of black currant, green pepper, black cherry, plum, graphite, and barrel spice are followed by broad, layered, black cherry and blackberry flavors. There’s penetrating intensity as well as sneaky richness. Barrel accents are speckled throughout. As is the hallmark of this vineyard, the tannins are polished to a fine sheen. The fruit and barrel-filled finish hangs and hangs. It’s completely stunning, winning on its intensity and balance. Best from 2028 to 2038. 14.1% alcohol. Micro-agglomerated cork. 100 cases produced. Published December 18, 2023."

2019 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate ($75) - WS 92, WA 93, JD 94+ points, "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Hitting 13.8% alcohol, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a brilliant perfume of blue fruits, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil. Beautifully balanced and medium to full-bodied, with building tannins, it's a seamless Cabernet Sauvignon that has some up-front appeal given its balance and elegance yet will benefit from 2-5 years of bottle age and, I suspect, have 20+ years of overall longevity.<!--more-->While many of these wines fall outside the “Central Coast,” I was able to taste a full lineup from Ridge and am happy to include these wines here. Going forward, the Sonoma releases will be covered by my colleague, Audrey Frick. (Drink between 2024-2047)"