Alta Via Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio’s are all alike, right? Hmm, well, yes, often, that is true. But differences exist. For instance, Pinot Grigio from some of the top spots in the Friuli Venezia region can carry some weight and distinct minerality. Alto Adige, up in the foothills of the Alps (and higher), is the grape’s other sweet spot. Here the flavors become almost shockingly fresh, like you’re biting into a cold ripe grape you've just plucked off the vine.

Andezon

I hate to get all worked up about old vines, because there are great wines made from vines both young and old. Still, when you have century old vines managed by this great Rhone producer, and a remarkable track record for deliciousness, things tend to work out. And so they have here.

Baron de Ley Museum

The Baron de Ley Museum Reserva Museum has more depth than their usual, worthy Reserva wines. It’s from extremely old vines (a century of age or so) planted in sandy and rocky soils with a thick layer of pebbles and a subsoil of limestone-clay and chalk. The bush vines that provide this sturdy wine are high up in the region, at over 2500 feet elevation.

Baron de Ley Varietales

Baron de Ley is a great example of how much the Rioja region has upped its game in the last decade. Like many of their wines of late, this 100% Tempranillo is rich, powerful, intense, heady and every bit a modern version of concentrated Rioja, but one that nevertheless still tastes like Rioja.

Benieres Rouge

Fresh and fruity Pinot Noir from the Pays d'Oc, a region warm enough and varied enough to allow even persnickety Pinot Noir to find its happy place.

Berthete "Les Pierrugues" CDR

The blend is more traditional than modern - 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 5% Cinsault. Not too many years ago, Carignan was the red-headed stepchild of the Rhone (it was widely planted in the 19th century); the usual view was that it only grew well in a few places and only old vines produced excellent wine. But times and views are evolving and, particularly in light of climate change, Carignan is finding new fans for its crisp, crunchy cranberry flavors and its ability to provide tartness even in hot vintages.

Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve

One of the most consistently delicious of Champagnes, Billecart is medium-bodied and more elegant than bombastic, exactly as Champagne should be.

Billecart Salmon Brut Rose

Every sommelier has a hip-pocket wine, the wine they go to when they need something they can rely upon for value and excellence and Billecart Salmon Rose is one of those wines.

Black Slate Priorat

Priorat is for people who want big wine, gorilla big, glowering and roaring in front of winedom's schoolchildren. This wine is a perfect example of that - and in terms of Priorat is a real value.

Boen RRV Pinot Noir