CORKAGE

Here’s just one example of the insane behavior exhibited by people (me) who are in love with wine.  Last night I got off work at 10:15, I thought I was going out for a glass of wine at Mozza with one of my co-workers, but it turns out he can’t go.  My wife is probably asleep.  I’m not tired.  I drive in the general direction of home, not wanting to go too far afield, and there on Ventura Blvd I see Spazzio, a place I’ve always wanted to check out and never have, a jazz club.  I love jazz. 

It turns out to be a really great spot, a serious jazz-lovers spot.  The music is good tonight: two guys on guitar, one on bass, one on drums, and it’s very mellow but it’s real jazz.  There’s a pretty elegant dining room, and a bar.  No one is talking; everyone is listening to the music.  That’s cool.  I sit at the bar, ask to see the wine list.  It’s a bound book of about 8 pages.  I peruse.  It’s decent, not amazing, but surprisingly decent.  I get to the last page.  “Rare Bottles”.  Some standard stuff, like an ‘81 Mouton for $525.  Whatever.  Then I see it.  It’s the last bottle listed.  It’s the ’91 Richebourg from Domaine Romanee Conti .  For $325.   Hmmmmmm.  Now, I do know that given my income, $325 is an insane amount to pay for a bottle of wine.  I do know that.  But… for a Richebourg from Romanee Conti, it is worth considering seriously .

My mind starts racing, my heart pounding fast.  Is there a friend I can call?  Is there someone who would split this bottle with me?  I remember the ’78 La Tache I was blessed enough to drink a few years ago.  Those flavors, that depth and intensity start flowing through me like a Proustian shot of adrenaline.

Now, there is one issue: 1991.  1991 was pretty much a terrible year all through France – E XCEPT for red Burgundy. And even for red Burgundy it wasn’t outstanding, it was just okay.   But I’m pretty sure, but not positive, I remember reading that '91 was actually very good for Romanee Conti.  This wine could be a steal.  This could be my chance to taste a Richebourg – and not just taste, drink – for peanuts!

I ask the bartender if they do indeed have this wine in the house, and he says he’ll check.  I warn him that I will probably NOT be buying it tonight, because after all, I need a friend to drink it with, but if he does have it would he please SHOW ME THE BOTTLE.  Ten minutes later a busboy comes up holding a bottle of wine.  My mind is alive and alert.  I am shown the bottle.  Yes, it is the Richbourg.  The ’91 Richebourg from Romanee Conti.  I stare at the bottle caressingly. 

“Okay”, I say to the bartender, “I’ll have to come back soon with a friend.”  The bartender says, “Cool, and let me know if you need a friend.”

Spazzio   --  14755 Ventura Blvd #D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403