CA vs. WA @ Altamarino's

I thought I would schedule a Napa vs. WA State night, with all the reds being Bordeaux style blends.

There will be 5 wines at this 8 person event.

Altamarino's is located on the corner of E. 78th Street and York Ave. Here is link to their menu.

Altamirano Italian Ristorante Menu

** The cost of this event is $41 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):

2024 J. Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc Estate ($55) - From California's, Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. No reviews for the 2024, but here is WS's 91 point review for the 2023 vintage, "An impressive white, with orange blossom, lemon curd and marmalade flavors that are intense and juicy, plus plenty of ginger, sea salt, lime zest and fresh-cut apple accents, all on a sleek, mouthwatering frame."

2017 The Farm Winery Cabernet Sauvignon lpf ($75) - From Paso Robles, CA, and owned and produced by one of my Fraternity Brothers. JD 93 points, "A classic blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot brought up all in new oak, the 2017 LPF offers plenty of darker currant and blackberry fruits to go with more subtle black tea, cedary herb, graphite, and lead pencil shaving-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced, with polished tannins and a great finish, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. (Drink between 2020-2035)"

2014 Upchurch Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch ($65) - From WA State's Red Mountain district. CT 91.8, WA 95 points, "Showing great from barrel and now from bottle, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard is a perfumed, elegant beauty that offers gorgeous creme de cassis, black cherry liqueur, graphite and dried violet aromas and flavors. Elegant, complex and nuanced, with medium to full-bodied richness, a core of sweet fruit, ripe tannin and a killer finish, drink this sensational Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon anytime over the coming 10-15+ years. (drink 2018-2034)"

2013 Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Super Substance Stoneridge Vineyard ($35) - From WA State's Columbia Valley. CT 90.3, WA 93 points, "The 2013 Super Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Stoneridge has a sexy profile (compared to the Merlot Stoneridge) and has amble black currants, licorice, graphite and spice to go with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, solid mid-palate concentration and a great finish. Like all of the wines here, the winemaking is impeccable and while this can be enjoyed in its youth, it will have 15+ years of longevity as well. Drink 2016-2031."

2016 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon ($80) - From Napa Valley, CT 92.5, WA 92 points, "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes sashaying out of the glass with pretty notions of red roses, chocolate box, aniseed and black raspberries over a core of blackcurrants and black cherries. Full-bodied, firm and finely grained, it has great freshness and bags of juicy fruit, finishing with a minty kick. 400 cases were made. (drink 2019-2032)"