Alta
- Rating:
- Address:
- 64 W 10th St New York, NY 10011
- Phone:
- 212-505-7777
- Good for:
- French, Italian, Old World, Quirky, Mature vintages
List review date: December 20, 2009
List Summary
Alta is in the midst of an identity crisis—it isn't quite sure if it's a Spanish, Italian, or French, and the wine list follows suit--focused in some areas and rambling in others, it is on the verge of requiring footnotes. However, we are practically in prayer position throughout most of this list. The pricing is largely unbelievable, from ‘99 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne at $118 to ‘79 La Mission Haut Brion at $249. We feel like we are riding a unicorn through some drunken dream world.So about that rambling, they can speak in tongues for all we care. We will be gracing the dining room as long they keep the Burgundy Garage sale open.
This isn’t all value though. It is downright ornery in its organization and the producers it chooses to champion. There is a clear, confident knowledge base behind this list, even though at times we feel like a mother watching her daughter run off to school in cowboy boots and a tutu. However, like any supportive mother would, we smile and applaud the creative freedom employed.
This is truly one of the greatest undiscovered value lists in the city.
- By The Glass
- White Moscato Giallo 2007, Manincor 2007 | $13
- Red Rioja Reserva 2001, Castillo Ygay | $14
- Red Rioja Seleccion Especial 'Vigna Alberdi' 2002, La Rioja Alta | $13
- Value Option
- White Savennieres 'Caillardieres' 2003, Domaine Closel | $44
Made by one of the Loire’s best producers, this wine is bronzed from the ‘03 heatwave. Big round Cheny with an endearingly plump mid-section. - White Chablis Grand Cru 'Bourgos' 1998, William Fevre | $98
Exceptional pricing (we will say these at least 23 times before this review is finished) from a producer that we forget to laude. He has received a negative connotation given the ubiquity of his low-end wines. However, there is a reason why he is allowed to saturate the market with the basic juice. It’s because he makes wines like this. Intense forward aromatics, a round and fruitful mid-palate, and that steely mineral driven through-line that defines great Chablis. About the best (and cheapest) opportunity you’ll have to meet back vintage Grand Cru Fevre. Get on it. - Rosé Rioja Rosado 'Vina Tindonia' 1997, Lopez de Heredia | $47
Something about the color pink doesn’t suggest longevity, but rather barbies and bad wardrobe decisions. However, Lopez makes on of the most off the wall, age-worthy rosados on earth. Wild, mineral driven, Barbie basher. - Red Morey St. Denis 2004, Dujac | $109
Dujac is one of the most storied, expensive, and sought after producers in the Cote du Nuits. He makes definably traditional Burgs that are built for immortality. However, this village level Morey Saint Denis Blanc will play nicely if given a whirl in the decanter. Structured and earthy, but defined by the Dujac polish. Pricing is once again, unbelievable. - Red Mencia 2007, Cuatro Pasos | $35
There is nothing quiet about Mencia. This hot varietal is all about high octave aromatics and a deep, inky core. Plenty of acidity to keep things from getting out of control. Easily the country’s most exciting varietal - Red Cote Rotie 1997, Duclaux | $59
Tiny producer that happens to put out some lovely CR at basement prices. Will drink lean, perfumed (perhaps some trademark bacon), and integrated. - Red Ghemme 'Colis Breclemae' 1996, Cantalupo | $74
Nebbiolo from Ghemme’s (just north of Barolo/Barbaresco) best producer. This is some seriously elegant traditional Nebbiolo from the ‘90’s greatest vintage -- a rustic knockout. - Red Chinon 'Les Picassas' 1989, Olga Rafffault | $91
One of the true stalwarts of the Loire, consistently setting the bar for age-worthy Chinon. This baby is at its absolute peak. A brilliant opportunity to meet Confucius in Cab Franc form.
- White Savennieres 'Caillardieres' 2003, Domaine Closel | $44
- 1st Date
- White Gassac Blanc 2005, Mas de Daumas Gassac (Languedoc) | $56
Often dubbed the Lafite of the Languedoc, Mas de Daumas and its curmudgeon of a winemaker have already been immortalized in many a book and movie for the transcendent nature of these exotic, farmhouse wines. The Gassac Blanc is a blend of Viognier, Chard, and Petit Manseng. Streamlined, aromatic, and quite delicate given the varietals employed. - Red San Leonardo 2001, Gonzaga | $81
The origins of this vineyard site date back to the 9th century. Dusty stuff. The winery is now under management of Mario Incisa of Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia)—a man with some serious credentials outside his family connection. Bordeaux style blend with Northern digs. Medium bodied, high toned fruit, with a strong herbal component. Drinking in a sweet spot now.
- White Gassac Blanc 2005, Mas de Daumas Gassac (Languedoc) | $56
- Off the Beaten Track
- White Anas-Cetta 2007, Elvio Cogno | $42
Funky herbal white from the virtually extinct grape, Nascetta. Drink up while you can. - White Chateau Musar Blanc 1994, Chateau Musar | $94
We are starting to notice Lebanon’s top producer pop up here and there on quirky lists and we like it. Definitely a welcomed departure from…perhaps anything you’ve had before. For adventurous souls only. Pack your Tevas - White Tocai Friulano 'Brazan' 1999, Fernandino Zanusso | $54
A rare trinket from the Friulian underground. Organic, old vine expression of Tocai Friulano and Malvasia in the vein of Movia. Funky, earthy, and dark in color due to extended macerations.
- White Anas-Cetta 2007, Elvio Cogno | $42
- Old School Classic
- White Rioja Blanco Gr Reserva Vina Tondonia 1976, Lopez de Heredia | $125
A ton going on here for minimal coin. - Red Graves 1979, Chateau la Mission Haut Brion | $249
This has to be impossible. Beyond classic and beyond cheap. Definitely drinking mature, but if you are accustomed to mature Bdx then this is a real treat. - Red Barbaresco Santo Stefano 1990, Bruno Giacosa | $295
Party favor. This is well below retail pricing. - Red 'Unico' 1970, Vega Sicilia | $600
Ahhh! We are seeing Vega from the ‘90’s at higher prices. A relative steal.
- White Rioja Blanco Gr Reserva Vina Tondonia 1976, Lopez de Heredia | $125
- Treat Yourself
- White Meursault ‘Rougeots’ 2004, Coche Dury | $241
Coche Dury. No need to say any more. This is priced exceptionally well, and although this wine could sleep for another 15 years, it’s hard to resist at this pricing. Ask for a decant. - White Corton Charlemagne 1999, Bonneau du Martray | $118
No one can argue that Corton Charlemagne is one of the greatest vineyards for white wine in the world, and Bonneau expresses the chalky, forward, but fit CC style--drinking in its zone now. - Red Bandol 1987, Domaine Terrebrune | $135
Not the greatest vintage for Bandol, but these wines are practically immortal regardless of vintage. Earthy, complex wine at peak maturity for one of the regions top dogs. - Red Amarone della Valpolicella 1986, Quintarelli | $380
Another cult gem from the co-ruler of the Veneto (he shares the seat with his one-time student Romano Dal Forno). This is a rare opportunity to drink one of his wins at peak without liquidating your IRA. Just to give you an idea of just how good this deal is: this wine, if you can find it, retails for around $700. - Red St. Emilion 1989, Chateau Figeac | $215
One of St. Emilion’s greats drinking like a down comforter at pricing that would make Bordeaux brokers cry
- White Meursault ‘Rougeots’ 2004, Coche Dury | $241
- Crowd pleaser
- White Gavi 'La Meirana' 2007, Broglia | $39
- Red Dolcetto Langhe 'Visadi' 2007, Domenico Clerico | $36
- House Wine Stats
- 29 wines available by the glass at an average price of $11.62
- Krug Index
- N/A
We understand that good wine lists are constantly being updated. We keep in touch with restaurants to make sure we have the best information available, but we really need your feedback. If something's missing or changed, please tell us!
