“Come to Bibo after work.  Bring  a friend.  Drinks on me.”  That’s my favorite kind of message.

Bibo is quickly becoming my favorite happy hour spot.  Great for a cocktail or people (or wall) watching, this conveniently located art den is beckoning me back for a bubbly brunch.  Coming soon.

Fridays don’t suck.  2000 Gravner Rosso Venezia IGT.  Gravner is famous for his amphora fermented tannic whites, but this shows his versatility through a fruit driven Cabernet/Merlot blend.  At 15 years old it was extremely youthful and vibrant.

A customer from out of town came in and was excited to get his hands on some older whites. 1997 Pierre Morey Montrachet Grand Cru.  Wow-ey.   Super compelling aromatics of caramel, dried orange peel, cider, dried flowers, vanilla candies, and hints of smoke.  This was like your childhood blanket in a bottle; comforting and nostalgic, proof that cellaring is worthwhile.

Not to be outdone Jay popped open a bottle of 1967 Rinaldi Barolo.  It showed absolutely perfectly.  This is absolutely a star and the epitome of aged Barolo with expressions of everything you hope for in an older bottle- leather, mushroom, game, dusty flowers with velvety soft tannins and rich mouth feel.  A totally complete wine.

Doug popped by a little while later with a wine he detests and describes as sipping on “crunched up ladybugs.”  Call me unsophisticated, but I quite enjoyed the earthy, green, and graphite laden flavors.  Bring on the bugs.

After 5 hours of drinking it was time for dinner.  To my credit, 5 hours.  The text said “Chachawan.”  I read Chom Chom.  Whatever it was great and the wine continued flowing.

The following day saw another tasting at work, this time of our summer favorites.  We had 30+ different wines open and available for tasting.  My highlights include all of the Chablis from Billaud Simon- such value for quality!- Chateau Gaby from Bordeaux, Sette Ponti Orena from Tuscany, and a perennial favorite funky wine, Clos des Camuzeilles old vine (some may say stinky) Carignan.

The out of towners came back and popped a few more bottles including this 1988 Palmer.

Honestly it was a little past its best and left me with a mouth full of splintery wood.

A good effort from the 100+ people who came by.  Thanks!

Sunday on Andy’s boat complete with meats and cheese from Burgundy, sushi, deli sams, Chicken on the Run, Tsing Tao, and a lovely Muscadet Sur Lie.

A beautiful ending to another wine soaked weekend.