The Kings of Terroir: An Evening of Mature Burgundy and Barolo

Ahhh... Burgundy and Barolo, two of my favorite things in the world!

There is a profound kinship between these two regions that transcends borders. Both rely on a single, fickle grape to translate the nuances of a specific hillside into a glass of art. This evening, we invite you to explore that connection through a lineup of legendary proportions, featuring four icons at the peak of their powers.

The White Prelude
We begin in the Côte de Beaune with the 2002 Domaine Leflaive Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d’Âne. The 2002 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest white Burgundy years of the decade—offering a perfect marriage of tension and concentration. Domaine Leflaive, the benchmark for biodynamic excellence, produces this Meursault from a high-altitude plot that delivers a signature flinty energy and crystalline fruit. It is the ultimate palate cleanser before we head south to Piedmont.

The Voerzio Triple Threat
The heart of our dinner is a rare "horizontal" exploration of three of the most prestigious Crus in La Morra, all from the stellar 2001 vintage. While 2001 was a cooler year than the flamboyant 2000, it has aged into a masterpiece of structure, aromatics, and precision.
Roberto Voerzio is a modernist titan known for extreme viticulture—drastically low yields that result in Barolos of incredible density and perfume. We will compare three distinct terroirs:

• Brunate: Often called the "Grand Cru" of La Morra, known for its profound depth, balsamic notes, and masculine structure.
• Cerequio: Brunate’s neighbor, yet distinct for its velvet-like texture and intoxicating floral and cherry aromatics.
• La Serra: Situated at a higher elevation, this vineyard provides the elegance and "mineral" backbone of the flight, offering a beautiful contrast to the power of the other two.

This is a rare opportunity to taste history and terroir side-by-side. At 24 and 25 years of age, these wines represent a masterclass in patience; they are the survivors of two decades of discipline, saved specifically for a night such as this. Seats are strictly limited to ensure an intimate experience with these well-aged treasures.

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Disclaimer: Please note that these wines are mature. Wine is a living organism and there is a higher risk of disappointment here. If your preference is for younger wines, please skip this one. But for those who appreciate the patience required to age these and the resulting development, you are in for a treat.

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For this special gathering, we are breaking new ground at a true New York legend. While our group has visited many of the city’s finest, Union Square Cafe holds a special place in Manhattan’s culinary history. Since moving to its stunning, two-story home at 19th and Park, it has perfectly preserved its reputation for “Enlightened Hospitality,” the idea that the service should feel as comforting as the food.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Lena Ciardullo, the kitchen draws its inspiration directly from the nearby Union Square Greenmarket. Their seasonal, Italian-leaning American cuisine is the perfect canvas for our wines. Whether it’s their famous handmade pastas or their classic roasted meats, the food is designed to be soulful and sophisticated, much like the 2001 Barolos we’ll be uncorking.
I hope you can join us!

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Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is for the cost of the wines and corkage only!
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 $8 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 an $20 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!