Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Russo's in Naples

Saturday, June 11, 2016

14 of us tonight gathered at Russo's in Naples for dinner, www.russosofnaples.com. This is my 4th dinner this week. So Far score is 1 to 2. Have high hopes for this one. Food has always been good. But then that is what I thought of the last two dinners.

This is not a prix fixe dinner tonight. Everyone is on their own. So a very mixed list of food was ordered.  I opted for the appetizer sampler which had Coconut Shrimp, (good but Latravita 's coconut shrimp are far superior. The best I have had)  Grilled Artichoke and Crostini with Shrimp and Avocado. Everything was great. Good flavors.  I should have stopped with this plate but I had ordered the half portion of Risotto with Seafood.  I did have a few bites but this will be lunch tomorrow. Had to save room for dessert.  Called Turtle Gelato. It was a ball of chocolate gelato rolled in chocolate and crushed pecans. Presentation was beautiful.  Nice ending to a good meal.

A real mixed bag of wines tonight. I brought a 2010  Clos Pepe Pinot Noir which was drinking really nice.  Pinot goes with everything. I tried some of the other wines but a few of the bottles did not get passed around very quickly. 

2010 August Ridge, Jovial Red - did not taste.

2015 Tablas Creek,  Vermentino.  I liked this wine. clean and crisp.

Zonin Proseco - always a good choice

2015 August Ridge, Pinot Grigio - did not taste - I am not a fan of Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris

2014 Pelletiere, Willow Creek District, Nebbillo Riserva - did not even see this bottle

2004  Netarpanaro, Rosso - very good wine, well balanced

2008 Le Sparviere Franciacorta - a sparkling that was good

2011 Antinori, Chianti Classico - typical Antinori - always pleasant

2009 Stolpman Angeli Sangio - showing really well

2014 Coppola, Diamond, Chardonnay - did not taste

2013 Anthill, Tina Marie Vineyard, Pinot Noir - harsh, not balanced - did not like at all

2012 Frank Valley Vineyard, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - did not see this bottle 

2010 Wiens,  Temecula, Chateau Rouge Cabernet Sauvignon - Saw the bottle but did not taste - the wine should have been good - Weins is one of the few wineries in Temecula that makes decent wine.

2012 Mauro Vannucci, Piaggia, Il Sasso, Carmignano - Very good wine

2006 Benedetti, Croce Del Cal, Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Classico - did not taste

Tobin James Liquid Love - did not taste