Wine: 1992 Haut Brion Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Sokolin Price: $225/btl
Rating: 93 RP

Wine: 1999 DRC Vosne Romanee Cuvee Duvault Blochet
Region: Burgundy
Sokolin Price: $449/btl
Rating: 90 ST

Wine: 1998 Lafleur
Region: Bordeaux
Sokolin Price: $600-800/btl
Rating: 96-98 RP-NM

On Friday night, we met up with some wine friends in NYC with plans on dining at Gotham Bar & Grill.  It's always a fun time and one to look forward to, as everyone brings a special wine.  When we were seated at Gotham, we were informed of their corkage policy, part of which was that we were only allowed to open two of the three bottles we brought with us.  Yikes!  We looked at these three amazing bottles and thought, how could we possibly eliminate any of these incredible, top-rated wines?   

We politely asked if they could bend the rules just a tad, so that we could open one more bottle, but they declined.  So, which bottle did we eliminate?  None.  After we realized they really were going to make us pick our two favorites, we left the restaurant and walked a few blocks to Tocqueville.  Not only did they squeeze us in on a Friday night, but then happily opened all three of our bottles!  To describe Tocqueville's food in one word - divine.  Here is a little description of the wines we just couldn't part with that night:

1992 Haut Brion Blanc: We started off the night with this white Bordeaux, which is made from the Semilion & Sauvignon Blanc grape varietals.  It had an incredible light golden color with striking scents of butterscotch, vanilla and honey.  Someone at the table described this wine as "Sauternes without the sugar."  Well said -that's exactly what it reminded us of.  It was refined, sleek, dry and very drinkable.

1999 DRC Vosne Romanee Cuvee Duvault Blochet: We could go on and on about this wine, but in a nutshell, it is beyond special.  A bottle of DRC Romanee-Conti just graced the most recent cover of Wine Spectator, which contained a lengthy article about DRC's wines.  It is probably THE most well-recognized, exclusive producer of Burgundy and if you're lucky enough to ever try any of these wines, you will instantaneously know that it's unlike any other wine you've ever had.  It has the most distinct flavor - one that is unforgettable.  Medium in body with hints of blackberry, chocolate and spice, the wine had the perfect balance to make everyone smile.

1998 Lafleur: This Right Bank wine from Pomerol can best be described as juicy and plump.  A dark inky color, it was loaded with flavors of dark fruit, dark berries and earth, and had a very long finish.  This wine is versatile, and it paired extraordinarily well with everyone's entrée selections.  It was the perfect choice to finish off the night.

Our recommendation: Our recommendation this week is very basic: share your wine.  Fine wine is best enjoyed with those who appreciate and understand it.  There's just nothing like it.