My Article: Memories of My Birthday Bash

I must admit that I am feeling a little rough following my birthday bash last night in Newport Beach. I don’t think 24 bottles for 10 of us is unreasonable, and the bottles were not all finished.

My head hurts as I write this. I have a slight throbbing sensation around my eyes. I feel like I ran 10 miles and I am dehydrated. But I keep telling myself it was my birthday and I was with old friends from high school. Slight overindulgence seems the norm in these situations. 

I can’t name all the wines consumed, but there were whites from the Rhone, Alsace, Burgundy, and California. Reds included Barolos, Burgundies, California Pinots as well as Cabs and Zins. We drank Champagne. We finished with Vintage Port.

We watched my cigar documentary movie before dinner on a portable DVD player outside so we could smoke a cigar. I can’t wait to release “Cigars: The Heart and Soul of Cuba.” Check out the Facebook page.

I smoked a strong El Rey del Mundo Choix de L’Epoque 2009 United Kingdom Region Edition. It was strong and flavorful.

The food included sautéed sea scallops, roasted duck and grilled steaks – spicy Cesar’s salad as well. The cooking was done by Anthony Villegas, who brought meat from his company Premier Meat Company.

I was sure that my wine of the night was going to be a 2000 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne. I know the wine and it’s always layered, rich, and wonderful with dried fruits, licorice and berries. It was great last night. 95 points. The warm and rich 2000 Barolos are still fresh and youthful.

And then there was a magnum of 1999 Simon Bize Savigny les Beaune Les Fournaux that was spicy and earthy with plums and ripe strawberries. It was full and balanced with a bright acidity. 91 points. I think 1999 is a beautiful, structured year for Burgundy.

A 1997 Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva in magnum was superb with super fine tannins, dark fruits, truffles and light earth character. It was so youthful and harmonious. 95 points. The 1997 Brunellos – if stored properly – are still eye-openers.

But I have to say that the big surprise of the night was the 2004 L’Angelus. We almost didn’t even bother opening it. The 2004 vintage is a forgotten year for Bordeaux; it made very aromatic and balanced wines, along the lines of 2001. The Angelus last night was full of dark fruits and sweet tobacco character. It was full-bodied, with super fine, silky tannins and a long finish. Give it another three years. 94 points.

During the dinner, one of my friends asked me what my favorite birthday wine was. I honestly said the ones tonight. But I have to say that I am happy birthdays only come once a year!