Best Selections of Wine Trade Tastings
from various wine industry portfolio tastings during the year.
Lauber Imports Grand Annual Wine Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Italy) Batasiolo Barolo '09 & Barolo Cru '04; Renato Ratii Barolo Marcensaco '08; Tedeschi Amarone Classico '08; Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino '07; Marcarini Barolo Brunate '08; Speri Amarone '08; Prunotto Barolo '08. (France) Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Vielles Vignes '10; Dom. De Beaurenard Chateauneuf-Du-Pape '09, '08 & '07; Dom. De Beaurenard Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Boisrenard '10; Dom Du Galet Des Papes Chateauneuf-Du-Pape '10; Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Greves Vignes de L'Enfant Jesus '10; Bertaud Belieu Cuvee Prestige Rosé '12. (California) Deloach Russian River Pinot Noir '11; Diamond Creek- Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon '10, Red Rock Terrace Cab Sauv '10, Gravelly Meadow Cab Sauv '10; Duckhorn Vineyards- Napa Valley Merlot '10, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon '10, Paraduxx Z Blend '09; Grgich Hills- Fume Blanc '10, Cabernet Sauvignon '09; Flowers- Quintessa '09, Faust '10; Palmaz Vineyards- Cabernet '08, Cabernet Sauvignon '06; St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc '12; Trefethen- Estate Cabernet Sauvignon '10, Dragon's Tooth Napa Valley Red '10; Caymus Special Selection Cabernet '10; Martin Estate- Chateau Napa '10, Eight Barrel '10, Bacchanal '10, Collector's Reserve '10. (Spain) Matarromera Reserva '06. (Argentina) Gauchezco Oro Malbec '08. (Champagne) Nicolas Feuilatte- Brut Rosé NV, Blanc de Blancs '5, Palmes d'Or Brut '99; Henriot Brut Souverain NV; Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV; Gosset Brut Excellence NV; Gosset Grand Blanc de Blancs Brut NV. (Port) Graham's Vintage 1994; Graham's 20 Year Tawny. (Rum) Plantation Grande Reserve 5 yr. (Single Malt Scotch) Benromach 10 Y.O.; Gordon & MacPhail- Glenlivet 21 Y.O., Caol Ila Cask Strength 11 Y.O., Old Pulteney 21 Y.O., Macallan 21 Y.O.
Burgundy Wine Week - NY 2013
Best Picks: (White) Domaine Sylvain Loichet- Pernand Vergelesse '08, Puligny Montrachet '10, Meursault '10, Corton Charlemagne '10; Domaine Fourrey- Chablis '11; (Red) Domaine Sylvain Loichet- Aloxe Corton 1er Cru Les Valovieres '09, Clos de Vougeot '06; Seigneurie de Posanges- Nuit Saint Georges '07, Nuit Saint Georges '09; Seigneurie de Posanges- Nuit Saint Georges 1er Cru Aux Thoreys '07, Gevrey Chambertibn 1er Cru Les Cazetiers '10, Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots '08. (Sparkling) Veuve Ambal- Cuvee Marie Ambal Brut Grande Cuvee.
Madeira Wine, A Taste of History - NYC 2013
Best Picks: Henriques & Henriques- Full Rich, Sercial 10 yrs, Fine Rich Single Harvest '97, Verdelho 20 yrs, Malvasia 20 yrs; Vinhos Barbeito- Single Harvest 2000, Malvasia 2001, New York Malmsey, Boal 1982; Justino's- Full Rich, Reserve 5 y.o., Colheita Fine Rich 1995; Broadbent- Boal 10 y.o., Verdelho 10 y.o., Terrantez Old Reserve, Colheita 1996; Blandy's- Malmsey 10 yrs, Colheita Malmsey 1994; Pereira D'Oliveira- Malvazia 1989, Terrantez 1988, Boal 1977, Verdelho 1973, Terrantez 1971, Verdelho 1912; H.M. Borges- Malvasia 10 yrs, Verdelho 20 yrs.
New Zealand Wine Fair - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Sauvignon Blanc) Ata Mara '11; Babich Headwaters Organic Block '11; Man O' War Waiheke Island '11; Marisco The Kings Favour '12; Ten Sisters Southern Valleys '11; Nautilus '12; Forrest The Doctors '12; Brancott Estate Letter Series "B" '12; Staete Landt "Annabel" '12; Mahi '11; Cairnbrae '12; Gunn Estate '12; Saint Clair Premium '12; Saint Clair Pioneer Block 18 Snap Block '11; Villa Maria Private Bin '12; Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass '10; Whitehaven '12; Astrolabe '12. (Pinot Noir) Saint Clair Pioneer Block 16 Awatere '10; Runnymede Estate Vintage Widow '10; Quartz Reef '11; Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate '10; Mahi '10; Brancott Estate Letter Series "T" '11; Stoneleigh '11; Carrick Bannockburn '10; Carrick Unravelled '10; Lake Chalice '11; Opawa '12; Nautilus '10; Mt. Difficulty '11; The Ned '12; Framingham Wairu Valley '11; Dry River '08. (Riesling) Ata Mara '10; Dry River '09; Framingham Classic '11. (Sparkling) Quartz Reef Brut NV.
Vignaioli Selection Wine Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Italy) De Silva Lagrein Edizione '09; Nicolis Amarone "Ambrosan" '05; Cascina Ebreo Torbido! '04; Rocche dei Manzoni- Quatr Nas Langhe Rosso '04, Barolo "Big Bang" '05; Scarzello Barolo '05; Seghesio Barolo "Pajana" Riserva '06; Col di Lano Brunello di Montalcino '06; La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino '06; Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino '06; De Concillis Naima '06; Porta del Vento Maquè '10. (Sparkling) Rocche dei Manzoni- Valentino Brut Zero Rose '06, Valentino Brut Zero Riserva '01. (Austria) Peter Schandl Pinot Noir '10; Sighardt Donabaum- Gewürztraminer '06, Riesling Brandstatt Trocken '07.
"Tuscany's Hidden Gem" - Consorzio Morellino di Scansano Tasting - NY 2013
(Morellino di Scansano) Fattoria Le Pupille DOCG '11; Fattoria Le Pupille Riserva Poggio Valente '09; Fattoria Mantellassi Riserva Le Sentinelle '08; Conte Ferdinando Guicciardini Riserva '08; Poggio Argentiera Bellamarsilla '12; Poggio Morino DOCG '11; Poggio Nibbiale DOCG '10; Poggio Nibbiale Riserva Tommaso '08; Provveditore Riserva Primo '09; Santa Lucia Tore del Moro '10; Tenuta Pietramora di Collefagiano Brumalo '10; Tenuta Pietramora di Collefagiano Petramore '10.
Trentino: Taste of the Dolomites - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Red) Concilio- Teroldego Braide '10; Endrizzi- Gran Massetto '08; Gaierhof- Teroldego Rotaliano '11; CasataMontfort- Teroldego Rotaliano '11; Rotaliana- Teroldego Rotaliano Clesurae '09. (White) Cesconi- Pinot Grigio '11; Concilio- Pinot Grigio Manci '12; Endrizzi- Nosiola '12. (Rosé) CasataMonfort- Pinot Grigio Rosé '12. (Sparkling) Letrari- Brut Riserva '12, +4 Brut Rosé '08; Maso Martis- Brut '09, Brut Rosé '09, Brut Riserva '06, Rare Vintage '03.
Symington Family Estates 2011 Vintage Port Tasting - NY 2013
2011 is declared banner year for Port.
Best Picks: Smith Woodhouse '11; Smith Woodhouse '07; Cockburn's '11; Cockburn's '00; Warre's '11; Warre's '83; Quinta do Vesuvio '11; Quinta do Vesuvio ''94; Dow's '11; Dow's '85; Graham's '11; Graham's '80.
Olé Portfolio Spanish Wine Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Red) Magaña Merlot '09; Magaña Calchetas '06; Heredad de Candela '09; JC Vizcarra '10; Inés '09; Celia '09; La Tentación '10; Ultreia de Valtuille '10; Exopto '10; Teixar '09; Perfil de Mibal '09. (White) L'Avi Arrufi Blanco '10; Gorvia Blanco '08; Muti Albariño '11; Sketch '11. (Sparkling) Naveran Dama '09; Naveran Perles Roses '10; Naveran Perles Blanques '08.
Vias 30th Anniversary Portfolio Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Italy) Ca' Viola- Bric Du Liv Barbera D'Alba '07; Damilano- Cannubi Barolo '08, Barolo Riserva '00; Produttori del Barbaresco- Muncagota Barbaresco Riserva '08; Luisa- Pinot Grigio Isonzo del Friuli '12; Das Forno Romano- Amarone '06; Le Salette- Pergole Vece Amarone '08; Argillae- Orvietto '11; Purato- Nero D'Avola '11; Feudi del Pisciotto- L'Eterno Pinot Nero '11, Versace Nero D'Avola '10; Terredora di Paolo- Taurasi '07; Fossacolle- Brunello di Montalcino Riserva '07; Colpetrone- Gold Sagrantino di Montefalco '06; Argiano- Brunello di Montalcino '08; Castello di Meleto- Vin Santo del Chianti Classico '06. (Argentina) Gouguenheim- Malbec Reserve Valle Escondido Mendoza '10, Blue Melosa Flores del Valle Colección Valle Escondido Mendoza '07; Bodega Noemia- Malbec Alto Valle del Rio Negro '10. (Liqueur) Árvero Limoncello. (Spirits) Comb Vodka, Comb Byram River Rum.
Banville & Jones Import Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Italy) Giacomo Grimaldi- Barbera d'Alba Fornaci '07, Barolo '08, Barolo Sotto Castello di Novello '07; Paolo Scavino- Barolo '08, Barolo Carobric '08, Barolo Bricco Ambrogio '08, Barolo Cannubi '08, Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo Riserva '05; Zyme- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva '01, Harlequin '06; Donatella Cinelli Colombini- Brunello di Montalcino Riserva '06. (France) Domaine Nicolas Girard Sancerre '11; Dom. Stephane Aladame Montagny '10; Dom. Dubuet-Monthelie Les Combes Danay '10; Dom. Jacques Cacheux Vosne Romanee aux Reas '09. (Champagne) Domaine Jean-Pierre Legret Brut NV. (Austria) Hermann Moser- Riesling "Kellertarassen" Reserve '10, Grüner Veltliner Der Löss '11. (Germany) Dr. Lippold- Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese '09, Riesling Spatlese '08.
Wines of Portugal Annual Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Red) Terra D'Alter Touriga Nacional '10; Obrigado- Filipa Pato '11; Real Companha Velha- Evel Reserva '08; Quinta dos Murças Reserve '09; José Maria da Fonseca- Periquita Reserva '10, Domini Plus '08; Delaforce Touriga Nacional '09. (White) Casal do Conde "Alvarinho" '12; Toucas Alvarinho '12; Obrigado- Vera Alvarinho '11; Aveleda Alvarinho '12. (Port) Porto Kopke Colheita 1989.
Chianti Consortium Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Chianti) Casale di Giglioli- Riserva '04; Corbucci- "9Code" '10; Cignozza- Riserva '08; Petreto '11; Pietraserena- "Caulio" '09, "Poggio al Vento" '09; Castelvecchio- Riserva "Vigna la Quercia" '08; Fattoria Lavacchio- Riserva "Cedro" '08; Le Sorgenti- "Respiro" '11; Poggio Capponi- "Petriccio" '10; Uccelliera '11; Valacchi- Riserva "Gelso" '10; Guidi '10; La Querce- "La Torretta" '10; Beconcini- Riserva '10; Pieve de' Pitti- Superiore "Cerretello" '10; Podere Volpaio- Riserva "Terre de' Pari" '04 & '01; Ruffino '11, Ruffino Superiore '11; Streda Belvedere '11; Tenuta di Morzano- Superiore "Emilio" '09, Riserva "Morzano" '09; Tenuta San Jacopo in Castiglioni- "Poggio ai grilli" '08; Tenuta San Vito- "San Vito" '11, "Darno" '10; Tenuta di Fraternita '10, Tenuta di Fraternita "Priore" '09; Travignoli- Riserva "Tegolaia" '09. (Vin Santo) Castello di Poppiano- "Torre Grande" '05; Castelvecchio "Chiacchierata Notturna" '03; Beconcini- "Caratello" '04; Tenuta Bossi-Marchesi Gondi- Riserva "Cardinal de Retz" 02; Tenuta Il Corno '97; Tenuta San Vito- "Malmantico" '06.
Le Cercle Rive Droite Grands Vins de Bordeaux - NYC 2013
Best Picks: Château de Laussac '09; ChâteauDalem '10; Château Fontenil '10; Haut-Carles '09; Château Moulin Haut-Laroque '10 & '12; Château la Vielle Cure '10; Château Villars '10; Château Cassagne Haut Canon '09; Château Gaby '09; Château Bonalgue '12; Clos du Clocher '10 & '12; Château Fayat '10 & '12; Château Vray Croix de Gay '10 & '12; Château Jean de Gué '10; Château Siaurac '12; Château Boutisse '10; Château Croix Cardinale '12; Château Grand Corbin Manuel '09 & '10; Château Magrez Fombrauge '10; Château Fombrauge '10; Château de Pressac '10; Château Le Prieuré '10; Château Messile Aubert '09; Château La Rose Perrière '09 & '12.
Next Chapter Wine Australia - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Shiraz) d'Arenberg The Dead Arm '08; Paxton Jones Block '10, Paxton EJ Elizabeth Jean '09; Schild Estate Ben Schild Reserve Single Vineyard '09; Shirvington '08; Kay Brothers Block 6 '10; Rusden Black Guts '09; Elderton Command '08, Yarra Yering Underhill '02; Ochota Barrels Shellac Vineyard '12. (Pinot Noir) Bindi Composition '11, Bindi Original Vineyard '11; Soumah Single Vineyard '12. (Cabernet Sauvignon) Leeuwin Estate Art Series '06; Wynns Black Label '10. (Chardonnay) Vasse Felix Heytesbury '10; Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge '11; Bindi Composition '08.
Spanish Wine Cellar - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (White) Angel Sequeiros- Albariño Foudre '10, Albariño Limited Edition '09; Lafou Els Amelers '11; Albanta '11. (Red) Tempore Viña Centuria '10; Conde de Real Agrado Reserva '05; Cerrado del Castillo '05; Roc Nu '09; 12 Linajes Reserva '07; LaFou de Batea '08; Portal del Priorat- Somni '09; Zinio Reserva '05. (Dessert) Pedro Ximenez Cruz Conde PX 20 yr.
The Little Wine Company Spring Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (France) Domaine Durieu- Chateauneuf-du-Pape '10, Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Lucile Avril" '10; Marc Colin- Puligny Montrachet "Tezin" 1er Cru '09; Roblin- Sancerre '10. (Italy) La Brenta d'Oro- Roero Arneis '11. (California) Loring- Pinot Noir Clos Pepe '11; Barlow- Cabernet Sauvignon Napa '09; David Family- Pinot Noir '10; Windrun- Chardonnay Monterey '11, Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo '10. (WA/OR) Ross Andrew- Meadow Alsacien Blend '11; Apex- Sauvignon Blanc '11. (Spirits/Rum) Neisson- Rhum Agricole Reserve, Rhum Agricole Blanc; La Favorite- Rhum Agricole Coeur de Rhum. (Spirits/Rye) Dad's Hat. (Spirits/Bourbon) Temperance Trader. (Spirits/Mezcal) Mezcales de Leyenda- Oaxaxa, Durango, Guerero.
David Bowler Spring Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (California) Eric Kent- Pinot Noir "Small Town" '11; Sky Vineyard- Zinfandel Mt. Veeder '09; Phillip Togni Vineyard- Cabernet Sauvignon "Tanbark Hill" '10; August West- Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard '11; Holdredge- Pinot Noir "Bucher" '11; Mayacamas- Chardonnay '00, Cab Sauvignon '07, Cab Sauvignon '98; Leonetti- Reserve '10. (Spain) López de Heredia- Bosconia Gran Reserva '95; Viña Pedrosa- Gran Reserva '05. (France) Charlet- Pouilly Fuissé "Les Vieux Murs" '03; Dom. Joseph Voillot- Pommard "les Pezerolles" 1er Cru '10; Arnoux-Lachaux- Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Corvees Pagets" '10; Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais L'Ancien Vielles Vignes '11; Louis Claude Desvignes- Morgon Javernières Côtes-de-Py '11. (Italy) Stefano Amerghi- Cortona Syrah '10; Campi di Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino '08; Occhipinti- Frappato IGT Sicilia Rosso '11, Siccagno Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia Rosso '10; Monte Dall'Ora- Amarone Classico Stropa '06; Radikon- Slatnik '10, Merlot '99. (Champagne) Ployez-Jacquemart- Liesse d'Harbonville '98; Jacquesson- Millésime '02.
VOS Selections Grand Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (France- White Burgundy) Gilles Morat- Pouilly Fuisse '10 La Roche; Domaine Michelot- Mersault '10 Genevrieres 1er Cru, Mersault '10 Les Charmes 1er Cru, Mersault '10 Perrieres 1er Cru; Henri Clerc- Puligny-Montrachet '09 Les Combettes 1er Cru. (France- Red Burgundy) Christian Clerget- Chambolle-Musigny '10 Les Charmes 1er Cru; Dupont-Tisserandot- Gevrey-Chambertin '10 Vielles Vignes, Mazis-Chambertin '09 Grand Cru, Gevrey '06 Lavaux St Jacques 1er Cru. (France- Châteauneuf-du-Pape) Domaine Paul Autard- La Côte Ronde MV '00, La Côte Ronde '05 Magnum; Domaine du Banneret- '09 Magnum. (France- Bordeaux) Chateau Clinet '07; Roc de Cambes '09. (France- Rosé) Roquefort '12. (Champagne) Roger Pouillon- Brut Vigneron Premier Cru, La Fleur de Mareuil; Benoit Lahaye- Brut Essentiel. (New Zealand) Neudorf Vineyards- Sauvignon Blanc '11, Moutere Pinot Noir '09. (Armagnac) Marie Duffau- Bas Armagnac 1973; Dartigalongue- Bas Armagnac Hors d'Age (15 yrs), Bas Armagnac 1991, Bas Armagnac 1981. (Calvados) Roger Groult- Calvados Venerable Pays d'Auge, Calvados Age d'Or Pays d'Auge. (Cognac) Normandin-Mercier- XO; Jean Fillioux- Tres Vieux, XO Grande Reserve.
Michael Skurnik Wines Grand Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (California) Paul Hobbs- "Beckstoffer-Dr. Crane Vineyard" Cab Sauvignon '10; Peter Michael- "La Carriere" Chardonnay '11, "L'Esprit de Pavots" Bordeaux Blend '10, "Les Pavots" Cab Sauvignon '10; Dashe Cellars- "Louvau Vineyard" Zinfandel '10; The Terraces- Napa Cab Sauvignon '09; Robert Biale- "Rocky Ridge" Zinfandel '11, "Moore Vineyard" Zin '11, "Old Kraft Vineyard" Zin '11; Karl Lawrence- "Beckstoffer-To Kalon" Cab Sauvignon '08, "Herb Lamb Vineyard" Cab Sauvignon '08; Hirsch- "Estate" Chardonnay '11; Ramey- "Platt Vineyard" Chardonnay '10. (Italy) Podere Brizio- Brunello di Montalcino '06; Chiara Boschis- Barolo 'Cannubi' '07, Barolo 'Via Nuova' '07; Ciacci Piccolomini- 'Pianrosso' Brunello di Montalcino '08, 'Pianrosso' Riserva Brunello di Montalcino '04; La Spinetta- 'Gallina' Barbaresco '07, 'Starderi' Barbaresco '07, 'Valeirano' Barbaresco '7, 'Campe' Barolo '06; Mocali- Brunello di Montalcino Riserva '07, '06, Riserva 'Raunate' '06. (Champagne) Jean Milan- 'Glamour' Rosé Brut NV; A. Margaine- Special Club '08; René Geoffroy- 'Empreinte' Brut '06; Pehu-Simonet- Blanc de Noir Brut NV. (Spirits) Greenhook Ginsmiths- American Dry Gin, Beach Plum Gin; Wathen's Single Barrel Bourbon; El Dorado Rum- 12 y.o., 15 y.o.
Chianti Classico Grand Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: Banfi- Riserva '09; Bibbiano- Riserva Vigna del Capannino '08; Canonica a Cerreto- Riserva '08; Casale dello Sparviero- Riserva '09; Castello di Starda- Riserva Malaspina '07; Castello La Leccia- Riserva Bruciagna '09; Cecchi- Riserva Villa Cerna '09. (Vin Santo) Fattoria Le Fonti '06; Castello di Starda '06.
Provence in the City, Rosé Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Vintage 2012) Caves d'Esclans/Sasha Lichine; Château Beaulieu; Château de Calavon; Château de Saint Martin- Grande Reserve Cru Classé; Château du Rouët- Réservée Tradition; Château Margüi; Château Roubine- Cuvée Château; Château Thuerry- Le Château; Château Saint-Pierre Cuvée Tradition; Domaine Sainte Marie- VieVité, Paparazzi, VieVité Extraordinaire; Domaine d'Eole; Estandon- Estandon, Terres de Saint Louis; Château Coussin; Château Maupague 2011; Jules; Les Valentines- Le Caprice de Clementine; Les Santons; AIX; Château de Pampelonne; Arbaude; Rimauresq Petit Rimauresq; Château La Gordonne- La Chapelle Gordonne; Minuty Prestige; Vignobles de Berne- Romance, Terres de Berne.
Sherbrooke Cellars Spring Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Barolo) Bruna Grimaldi- Camilla '08, Bricco Ambrogio '08, Badarina '08; Mauro Molino- Gancia '08, Conca '08. (Brunello di Montalcino) Livio Sassetti Pertimali- Riserva '07, Riserva '06; Tenuta Fanti- Riserva '07. (Amarone) Ca'Rugate- '08. (Burgundy) René Bouvier- Fixin '10, Gevrey Chambertin La Justice '10, Gevrey Chambertin Racines du Temps '10, Charmes Chambertin '08, Charmes Chambertin '10; Henri Boillot- Mersault '11, Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets '10, Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets '11. (Champagne) Lallier- Brut Rosé Premier Cru NV, Millesime Grand Cru '05. (Cabernet Sauvignon) Hoopes Napa Valley Oakville '09, Liparita Napa Valley Oakville '09.
West Sonoma Coast Vintners Tasting - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Chardonnay) Ceritas- Porter Bass Vineyard '11 & Charles Heintz Vineyard '11; Failla- Estate Vineyard Fort Ross Seaview '11; Flowers- Camp Meeting Ridge '10 & Sonoma Coast '10; Hartford Family- Far Coast Vineyard '10; Hirsch Estate '11; Martinelli- Charles Ranch '08; Peay- Estate '10 & Sonoma Coast '11; Ramey- Platt Vineyard '10; Sonoma Coast- Gold Ridge Hills '10. (Pinot Noir) 32 Winds- "Maestro" '10 & Hirsch Vineyard '09; Banshee- Marine Layer '11; Charles Heintz- Sonoma Coast '09; Failla- Occidental Ridge '11; Hartford Family- Far Coast Vineyard '10 & Land's Edge Vineyards '11; Hirsch- Reserve Estate '10; Larue- Sonoma Coast '09; Littorai- Hirsch Vineyard '11 & The Pivot Vineyard '10; Martinelli- Three Sisters Vineyard '10; Pahlmeyer- Sonona Coast '10; Red Car- Fort Ross Seaview '11; Small Vines- MK Vineyard '10. (Rosé) Red Car- Bybee Vineyard '12.
Wines of Croatia - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Pošip) Grgic 2011; Bibich 2009; Korta Katarina 2010. (Plavac mali) Korta Katarina Reuben's Private Reserve 2007; Saints Hills Sv. Roko 2010.
Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Italian Wines - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Amarone della Valpolicella) Domini Veneti '05; F.lli Tedeschi '07 & '08; Masi '06; Viticoltori Speri '08; Bertani '05; Massimino Venturini '07.
Benvenuto Brunello - NYC 2013
Best Picks: (Brunello di Montalcino) Argiano '08; Banfi '08; Barbi '08; Belpoggio '08; Camigliano '08; Canalicchio di Sopra- Riserva '07; Capanna - Ris. '07; Castello di Velona '06 & '07, Castello Romitorio- Riserva '07; Col D'Orcia- '05 & Ris. '04; Collosorbo- '08 & Ris. '07; Dontatella Cinelli Colombini- '08; Prime Donne '08 & Ris. '07; Gianni Brunelli- Riserva '07; Greppone Mazzi/Ruffino '07; Il Poggione- '08, Ris. '07; Le Ragnaie- Fornace '08 & V.V. '08; Podere Brizio- Riserva '07; Querce Bettina- Riserva '07; Sassetti Pertimalli- '08 & Ris. '07; Uccelliera- '08 & Ris. '07; Villa Poggio Salvi- Riserva '07; Voliero '08.
Slow Wine Italy 2013 Tasting- NYC
Best Picks: (Barolo) Damilano Barolo Cannubi '08, Cavallotto Fratelli Barolo Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe Ris. '06 & Barolo Bricco Boschis '08, Pecchenino Barolo Le Coste '08, Mirafiore Barolo Paiagallo '08, Domenico Valentino Sobrero '08. (Barbera) Borgogno & Figli Barbera d'Alba Sup. '10, La Gironda Barbera d'Asti Sup. Nizza Le Nicchie '09, Carussin Barbera d'Asti Lia Vi '11, Ca' Viola Bric Du Luv '10. (Amarone) Bertani '05, Trabucchi Cent' Anni Ris. '04, Cesari '08. (Brunello di Montalcino) Baricci '07, CastelGiocondo Riserva '07. (Nobile di Montalcino) Boscarelli Riserva '07. (Rosso di Montalcino) Baricci '10. (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo) Tenuta Terraviva '10, San Lorenzo Colline Teramane Escol Ris. '08.
Grands Crus de Bordeaux 2010 Vintage Tasting - NYC
2010, a great year for Bordeaux wine!
Best Picks: (Red) Château Gloria, Langoa Barton, Léoville Barton, Léoville Poyferré, Batailley, Lynch-Bages, Pichon-Longueville, de Pez, Phélan Ségur, Pape Clément, Canon La Gaffelière, Brane-Cantenac, La Conseillante, Canon, Clinet, Clerc Milon, Figeac, Fourcas Hosten, Chasse-Spleen, Prieuré-Lichine, Beychevelle, La Couspaude, La Gaffelière, Larcis Ducasse, Smith Haut Lafitte.
(White) Château Carbonnieux, De Fieuzal, Malartic-Lagravière, Olivier, Smith Haut Lafitte.
(Sauterne) Château Climens, Coutet, de Fargues, Doisy Daëne, Guiraud, La Tour Blanche, Lafaurie-Peyraguey.
Rue de Beaujolais Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Potel Aviron- Morgon Côte du Py '10, Chénas '10, Fleurie '10; Joseph Drouhin- Moulin-à-Vent '10, Morgon '10; Alain Michaud- Brouilly '10; Georges Duboeuf- Beaujolais Nouveau '12; Château de Capitaine- Juliénas; Château de la Chaize- Brouilly '09; Château des Jacques- Moulin-à-Vent '10.
A Taste of Oakville - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Detert Family Winery- Cabernet Franc '09; Far Niente- Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon '09 & '05; Gamble Family Vineyards- "Family Home" Cabernet Sauvignon '05; Gargiulo Vineyards- G Major 7 Cabernet Sauvignon '09; Ghost Block- Estate Cabernet '09, Single Vineyard '09; Groth Vineyards & Winery- Cabernet Sauvignon '09, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '08; Nickel & Nickel- Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard '09; Oakville Ranch Robert's Blend Cabernet Franc '09; Opus One '09; Robert Mondavi- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '09; Spoto Wines- Oakville Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon '09; Swanson Vineyards & Winery- "Alexis" Cabernet Sauvignon '05; Teaderman Vineyards- Cabernet Sauvignon '05; TOR Kenward Family Wines- Oakville Tierra Roja Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon '10; Turnbull Wine Cellars- Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon '09.
Umbria In A Wine Glass - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Lungarotti- Rubesco Riserva '05, Sagrantino '07; Tudernum- Sagrantino di Montefalco '07; Tabarrini- Adarmando '10, Sagrantino di Montefalco '07; Terre Margaritelli Miràntico- Rosso di Torgiano '09; Arnaldo Caprai- Montefalco Rosso, Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano, Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni.
Sherbrooke Cellars Barolo Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Poderi Aldo Conterno (Piedmont)- Barbera D'Alba Conca Tre Pile '08, Barolo '08, Barolo Colonnello '08, Barolo Romirasco '08 & '06, Barolo Granbussia '05.
Spain's Great Match Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Bodegas Frontaura- Frontaura Reserva '05 (Toro); Bodegas Luis Cañas- Reserva '04, Reserva de la Familia '04, Amaren Graciano '05, Hiru 3 Racimos '05 (Rioja); Bodegas Riojanas- Monte Real Gran Reserva '01 & '98 (Rioja); Emilio Lustau- Pago Negralada '09, Pago Garduña '09, Pago Veldellón '09; Las Rocas Garnacha Viñas Viejas '09; Laxas Albariño '11.
Simply Italian Great Wine Tour - NY 2012
Best Picks: Banfi- Poggio All'Oro, Poggio Alle Mura (Brunello di Montalcino); Pierra Martellozzo- Pinot Grigio 075 Carati '11, Ribolla Gialla 075 Carati '11, Rosé 075 Carati '11 (Sparkling Wine); Biondi Santi- Tenuta Greppo Brunello di Montalcino '07; Donnafugata- Mille e una Notte '07 (Nero a'Avola); Pio Cesare- Barolo '07, Barbaresco '07; Antinori- Badia a Passignano '07 (Chianti Classico Riserva), Tignanello '09 (Toscana); Tenuta Carretta- Barolo "Vignetti in Cannubi" '08, Barolo "Cascina Ferrero" '08.
Loire Valley Wines Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: (Sancerre) Jean Pabiot '11; Saget la Perrière Domaine de la Perrière '11; Les Hospices '10; Domaine Fournier- Les Belles Vignes '10, Grand Cuvée Rouge '08, & Cuvée Silex '10; Château de Sancerre Cuvée du Connetable '07; Domaine Roger Neveu Clos des Bouffants '10; Joseph Mellot- Le Montarlet '11, La Grande Chatelaine '09, La Chatelaine '11, & La Grande Cuvée des Edvine '07; Domaine de la Garenne '10; Remy Pannier '11; Jan Max Roger Vielles Vignes '07; Vincent Pinard Cuvée Florés '11. (Pouilly-Fumé) Domaine Fournier- Les Deux Cailloux '10, & Grande Fumé '09; Jean Pabiot '10.
Domenico Valentino Portfolio Tasting Fall 2012 - NY
Best Picks: Castel De Paolis (Lazio)- Franscati Superiore '11 & I Quattro Mori '07; Valentini (Abruzzo)- Trebbiano d'Abruzzo '07, '08', 09, & Montepulciano d'Abruzzo '06; Dalle Nostre Mani (Toscana)- Chianti Classico '09; Podere Casanova (Toscana)- Rosso di Montepulciano Il Sentiero '09, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano '08, & Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva '06; Massoferrato (Toscana)- Rosso Toscano '09; Monteforche (Veneto)- Pinot Grigio '11; I Campi (Veneto)- Valpolicella Campo Prognare ''05, & Amarone Campo Marna Cinquecento '04; Lini (Emilia-Romagna)- Metodo Classico Rosso Brut Lambrusco '04; Ronco Dei Tassi (Friuli)- Fosarin '10; Endrizzi (Trentino)- Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Superiore '09, & Teroldego Gran Masetto '08; Castello Di Montegrosso (Piemonte)- Barbera d'Asti Ruleja '04; Castello Di Verduno (Piemonte)- Barbaresco Rabajà '05, '06, Barbaresco Faset '07, Barolo Massara '07, & Barolo Riserva Monvigliero '04; Sobereo (Piemonte)- Barolo Ciabot Tanasio '08, Barolo Riserva Pemanno '06; Orsolani Caluso Passito Sulé Erbaluce '05; Travignoli Vin Santo dei Chianti Rufina Riserva '01.
Fine Wine Agency Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Wild Duck Creek (Heathcote, Australia)- Reserve '09, Springflat Shiraz '09 & Duck Muck '07; Vineland Estates (Canada)- Vidal Icewine '10, Riesling Icewine '08 & Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine '08.
Frederick Wildman & Sons Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: (Burgundy) Pascal Jolivet– Sancerre "Les Cailottes" '11 & "Le Chêne Marchand" '11; Chateau Fuissé- Pouilly-Fuissé "Tête de Cru" '08 & Les Brûlés" '08; Olivier Leflaive– Chassange-Montrachet 1er Cru "Clos St. Marc" '10 & "Abbaye de Morgeot" '10, Montrachet Grand Cru '08; Domaine Alain Burguet- Gevret-Chambertin "Mes Favorites" '09, Chambertin Grand Cru "Clos de Bèze" '09; Domaine Sylvain Cathiard– Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Thorey" '09. (Bordeaux) Château Phelan Segur '09, Le Tourelles de Longueville '09, Château Pichon Longueville '05, Château Beychevelle '09. (Cognac) Maison Prunier X.O. 80; Léopold Gourmel– Age des Fleurs 15 Carats, Age des Epices 20 Carats. (Champagne) Pol Roger– Blanc de Blanc '00 & '02, Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill '99.
Martin Scott Grand Portfolio Tasting (Spirits) - NYC 2012
Alipus Mezcal; Arran Single Malt Scotch; Balcones- True Blue Corn Whisky & Texas Single Malt; Boyd & Blair Vodka; Breckenridge Bourbon; Chieftan's Single Malt Scotch; Corsair- Artisan Gin & Vanilla Bean Vodka; Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch; Kinnicknnick Whiskey; Rehorst Gin; Smooth Ambler- Greenbrier Gin & Rye Whiskey; Tequila Calle 23; Tequila Semental.
Cognac Tasting of a Lifetime - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal; Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire; Delamain Vesper & EXTRA de Grande Champagne; Hardy Noces D'Or, X.O, Napoleon & VSOP; Pour Moi; Pierre Ferrand Réserve & Ancestrale.
Piemonte Grand Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Renzo Seghesio- Barolo '06 & Barbera d'Alba '09; Cascina del Monastero- Barolo Bricco Luciani '08 & Barolo Riserva '05; Pecchenino- Dogliani Superiore Siri d'Jermu '10; Damilano- Barolo Le Cinque Vigne '07; Renati Ratti- Barolo Marcenasco '08 & Barolo Conca '08 & Barolo Rocche '08; Vallebelbo- Barolo Cesare Pavese '08; Rivetti Massimo- Barbera d' Alba Serraboella '07, Isolabella della Croce- Barbera d'Asti NIZZA '08 & Moscato d'Asti Valdiserre '11; Cascina Castlet- Litina Barbera d'Asti Superiore '07.
Madeira Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Pereira D'Oliveira- Malvazia 1989, Boal 1977, Verdelho 1973, Boal 1968, Verdelho 1912, Boal 1908; Justino's- Colheita 1999 Fine Rich, Broadbent Rainwater 3 yr, Broadbent Malvasia 10 yr, Broadbent Colheita 1996; Henriques & Henriques- Sercial 10 Years, Bual 2000; Vinhoa Barbeito- Verdelho 1996, Boston Boal, Sercial 1988, Boal 1982; H.M. Borges- Sercial 15 yr, Malmsey 15 yr, Boal 1977; Blandy's- 5 year Alvada.
Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting - NY 2012
Best Picks: (Touriga Nacional + blends) Adega de Borba Premium '10, Doc Douro Vallegre Old Vines Reserva Especial '09, Domini '08, Duorum Reserva Old Vines '09, Evel Reserva '08, Pintas '09 & Pintas Character '09, Quinta da Fronteira Grande Escolha '09, Esporao Private Reserve Red '07, Marguês de Borba Reserva '09.
Gambero Rosso Tuscany Tasting - NY 2012
Best Picks: (Vernaccia di San Germignano) Agricoltori Chianti Geografico '11, Vincenzo Cesani '11 & '08, Colombaio di Santa Chiara Selvabianca '11, Fontaleone Vigna Casanuova '10, La Lastra '11 & Ris. '10, La Mormoraia Ostrea Grigia '11, Montenidoli Tradizionale '09, Panizzi '11 & Ris. '07, Poggio Alloro Le Mandorle '10.
New Zealand Wine Fair 2012 - NY
Best Picks: (Sauvignon Blanc) Astrolabe '11, Babich Black Label '11, Brancott Estate Letter Series "B" '11, Elephant Hill '11, Giesen The Brothers '10, Lawson's Dry Hills '11, Matua Estate Paretai '11, Moshua '10, Mud House '11, Oyster Bay '11, Saint Clair Wairu Reserve '10, Spy Valley '11, Staete Landt Annabel '11, Te Ahu '10, Villa Maria Cellar Selection '11.
Vias Portfolio Tasting - NY 2012
Best Picks: Elvio Cogno Barolos, Pecchenino Le Coste Barolo '05, Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riservas, Argiano Brunello di Montalcino '07, San Michele Pinot Grigio Trentino '11, Dal Forno Romano Amarone '06, Broglia Il Doge Gavi '11 & Gavi di Gavi '10, Damilano Barolos (esp. Cerequio '06 , Liste '07, Cannubi '06 & Riserva '99), Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola '10, Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepuciano Riserva '06 & Vin Santo '06, La Poderna Brunello di Montalcinos, Rocca di Fassinello Maremma Toscanas, Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino '07 & '04, Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino '07, Gagliole Chianti Classico '09 & Pecchia Colli della Toscana '06, Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Riserva '06 & Vin Santo '06.
Terroirs & Signatures de Bourgogne - NY 2012
Best Picks: Pierre André Corton-Charlemagne '08, Maison Joseph Drouhin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos '08, Domaine Pierre Naigeon, Dom. Chanson Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves Monopole '09, Domaine Fernand & Laurent Pillot Chassange-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers '10, Domaine Latour-Giraud Mersault 1er Cru Genevrières '09, Louis Max Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gains '10, Maison Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru '09.
Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Tasting at Le Cirque - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Brut Blanc de Blancs '04, Palmes d'Or Brut Vintage '99, Rosé Brut Vintage '04, Cuvée Spéciale '04, Cuvée 225 Rosé '04, Brut Rosé NV.
Chianti Consorzio Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Lanciola Colli Fiorentini Riserva '06, Malenchini d.o.c.g. '10 & Colli Fiorentini '10, Poggiotondo Riserva '08 "Vigna delle Conchoglie", Ruffino d.o.c.g. '10 & Superiore '10.
Santorini Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: (Assyrtiko) Boutari Kallisit Res '07, Gai'a Thalassitis '11 & Wild Ferment, Gavalas Santorini '10, Hatzidakis Nykteri '09, Sigalas Santorini '11.
(Vinsanto) Karamolegos '06, Canava '01 & '06, Santo '04, Sigalas '01 & '04, Argyros '89, Gavalas '05, Hatzidakis '03, SantoWines '04, Koutsoyannopoulos '00.
Provence Rosé Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Caves d'Esclans Garrus, Château de Pourcieux, Château Gassier 946, Château Vignelaure, Rimauresq, MIP, Château Maupaque, Château Coussin, Mas de Cadenet.
Möet Hennessy Winemaker Tour 2012 - NYC
Best Picks: Numanthia Termanthia '08, Château de Sancerre Blanc '07, Newton Cab Unfiltered '09, Terrazas Afincado Malbec '07, Cloudy Bay Sauv. Blanc '08 & Te Koko '08, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV & Rosé NV, Chandon Étoile Brut & Rosé, Chandon Pinot Meunier '09.
Gambero Rosso Italian Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: F.lli Speri Amarone '07, Bosoni Colli di Luni Vermentino Grigia '10, Ferrari (all), Trabucchi D'Illasi Amarone '06, Antinori Tignanello '08, Rocca di Frassinello Baffo Nero '09, Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello '06, Monte del Fra Amarone, Castello di Vicchiomaggio Chianti Cl. Riserva '08, Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino Arte '04, Livio Felluga Rosazzo Bianco Terre Alte '09, Tenuta di Capezzana Vin Santo Riserva '05.
Slow Wine Italian Wine Tasting - NYC 2012
Best Picks: Cascina Ca' Rossa Langhe Nebbiolo '09 & Roero Riserva '08, Conterno Fantino Barolo Sori Ginestra '07 & Barolo Vigna del Gris '06, Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne '07, G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole '07, Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo Nei Cannubi '07, Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva '08, Podere Il Carnasciale Carberlot '08, Feudo Montoni Vrucara Nero d'Avola '08.
