Dinner at Dino

Had a great meal at Dino last night. They had a special four course Tuscan menu and the highlight for me was the combination of the Polenta w/ Wild Mushrooms and the 2001 Arcadian Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir that I brought with me to the restaurant. Dino has a really great wine list -- but even better they have a great corkage policy.

First Course: Costini Misto - all three crostini's were excellent but the heirloom crostini was unbelievable.

Second Course: Polenta Cake with Wild Mushrooms - an awesome, soul warming dish that paried beautifully with the wine we brought(see tasting note in previous post)

Third Course: Baby Lamb - tasty, but a little overshadowed by the previous course.

Dessert: Gelato assortment -- the pistachio was terrific and that is comming from someone who does not usually like pistachio ice cream. Also the nocciola (hazelnut) was tasty as well.

All in all a great meal.

TN: 2001 Arcadian Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard

• 2001 Arcadian Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (7/30/2007)
  Decanted for a half hour.
  
  Full nose of cherrys and spice and some earthy tones. Nose was deep and complex but not anywhere near over the top. At first it was a little short but the finish really smoothed out with air. By the end it was silky smooth and beautiful. A real thought provoking wine that changed as the night went on. Very elegant. Paired well with Polenta ad wild mushrooms.
  
  Suprisingly I think this is on the young end of the drinking curve. Too bad I don't have any more. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker