Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse (June 30, 2006)

Dinner at Del Frisco's was exquisite, beginning with massive shrimp w/ three sauces, breadless lumped crabcakes and 3 dozen oysters. A bone-in rib eye came seared with a perfectly pink cool medium-rare center, and impeccable flavors from the natural fats, cracked pepper rub and grill char. However, sommelier Scott Gould treated the table to an unbelievable progression of old world wine, rich and deep cabernet alternatives in the tempranillo and shiraz, and a pristine, inspiring brandy-like 1912 Malvazia (port). The corks pulled as follows:

• Charmes-Chambertin: 2002, A. Rousseau Pere & Fils, Pinot Noir (Cotes de Nuits - Burgundy)
• Chateau Rayas Reserva: 2001, Red Rhone Blend (Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Rhone)
• Chateau-de-Beaucastel: 1995, Red Rhone Blend (Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Rhone)
• Bodega Numanthia Termes: 2003, Tempranillo (Castillo y Leon - Toro, Spain)
• Marquis Phillips Integrity: 2002, Shiraz (McLaren Vale - South Australia)
• Barbieto: Riserva Velha 1912, Malvazia (Bual - Madiera, Portugal)

The night was capped off with Banfi grappa and a little shop talk with friends from work. Definitely a highlight in my relatively short time appreciating wine.