Who?: A few very close friends who stimulate you intellectually.

Where?: Dining room, lights dimmed, steak on the table, wine decanting.

With What?: 2" reverse seared porterhouse finished in cast iron, butter-basted with tarragon, garlic, and black peppercorns. Rare on the ribeye side. Chopin on low volume. Everyone read the same book and is eager to discuss.

Eyes: Practically ink. Clean. Slightly stains the glass. Ruby leaning red.

Nose: Intense and complex, with an insanely harmonious bouquet.  Very ripe blackberry, dried fig, charred wood, licorice, and rosemary dance with a touch of fresh leather character and orange zest. Toss in some vanilla bean, allspice, and red pepper pith. 

Mouth: Fresh fruit profile centers on currant and black berry leads, but savory tones do work! Look for cedar, black pepper, and licorice. It's mouth filling, but not thick. Polished, fine-grained tannins balance the slight spiciness of the alcohol. It lingers forever with tart fruit, tarragon, and minerals.

Story: Time for a brain cleanse. Pick a special, classic, deep book to read and discuss over a dinner of perfectly prepared steak, choice music, fresh salad and rosemary-roasted potatoes.