Best Selections of Wine Trade Tastings
from various wine industry portfolio tastings during the year.

 

 

Bordeaux Under One Roof - NY 2013
Best Picks: Château Cantin '10; Château Cheval Noir '10; Château Altimar '09; Château Olivier '04; Château d'Aiguilhe '04; Château Lamothe '09; Château Léo de la Gaffelière '11; Château Ferrande '10; Château Tour Prignac '10; Château Abelyce '08; Château Capdet '09; Saint Glinglin Carte Verte '10; Saint Glinglin '11; Lafite Réserve Spéciale Pauillac '10; Lafite Réserve Spéciale Medoc '09; Château de Roques '09; Château Royaumont '10; Château Tour Seran '10; Château La Clare '10; Château Maison Blanche '09; Château Forcas Hosten '06; Clos Magne Figeac '09; Grand Listrac '09.

 

 

Gigondas: The Grand Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: Maison Gabriel Meffre Domaine de Longue Toque Gigondas '10; Domaine La Bouissière Gigonadas Tradition '11; Domaine Cécile Chassange Gigondas '11; Le Clos des Tourelles Gigondas '10; E. Guigal Gigondas '10; Domaine des Florets Gigondas Saveur des Dentelles '11; Domaine des Florets Gigondas Suprême '11; Domaine de Font-Sane Gigondas Terrasses des Dentelles '11; Domaine Les Goubert Gigondas Traditionnel '10; Domaine du Grapillon d'Or Excellence Gigondas '11; Lavau Gigondas '11; Louis Mousset/Cellier des Dauphins Gigondas Les Trois Couronnes '11; Domaine Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas '10; Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas '11; Domaine Saint Gayan Cuvée Tradition Gigondas '09; Domaine Santa Duc Aux Lieux-Dits '11; Domaine Santa Duc Prestige Hautes Garrigues '11; Domaine Brusset Tradition Le Grand Montmirail Gigondas '11; Domaine du Terme Etiquette Noire Gigondas '09; Domaine Les Teyssonnières Gigonadas '11; Vignerons de Caractère Les Pierres Du Vallat Gigondas '12.

 

 

Grand Cru Classes of Saint-Emilion Tasting Tour - NY 2013
Best Picks: Château Bellfont '10; Château Corbin '09 & '10; Clos Des Jacobins '10; Château La Commanderie '10; Château Côte de Baleau '09 & '10; Château de Pressac '10; Château Grand Corbin-Despange '09; Château Grand Pontet '09; Château Jean Faure '10; Château La Dominique '10; Château La Marzelle '09; Château La Tour Figeac '10.

 

 

8 Appellations of Médoc, Bordeaux - Master Class with Charles Curtis, Master of Wine - NY 2013
Wine tasting: (Médoc) Château Potensac '09, (Haut-Médoc) Château de Camensac '09, (Margaux) Château d'Issan '09, (Listrac-Médoc) Château Clarke '09, (Moulis en Médoc) Château Chasse-Spleen '09, (St. Julien) Château Talbot '09, (Pauillac) Château Haut-Batailley '09, (St. Estèphe) Château Tronquoy-Lalande '09.

 

 

Opici Fall Portfolio Spirits Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: Sobieski Flavored Vodkas; Sobieski Vodka; Koval Rye; Prichard's Rye; Prichard's Double Barreled Bourbon; Prichard's Crystal Rum; Monopolowa Gin; Monopolowa Vodka; Puro Verde Reposado Tequila; Valentine Vodka; Valentine Liberator Gin; Willet Family Pot Still Reserve Bourbon; Noah's Mill Bourbon; Redemption Rye; Amrut Single Malt; Scorpion Mexcal Añejo 5 yr.; Scorpion Tobala Silver Mezcal; Bloom Gin; Mayfair Gin; Bunnahabhain 12 yr; Kai Vodka; James Pepper Bourbon; Meletti Anisette; Cognac Gautier Pinar del Rio XO; Cognac Gautier Eden.

 

 

House of Burgundy Grand Annual Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (France - Châteauneuf-du-Pape) Domaine de Fontavin- "Terre D'Ancêtre" '11; Pierre Vidal- La Font Des Garrigue '11. (France - Côtes du Rhône) Pierre Vidal- Font Des Garrigue Rasteau '11, La Font Des Vacqueyras '11. (France - Bordeaux) Château Gamage Sélection Exceptionnelle '09; Maison Bouey- Les Parcelles Saint-Emilion De Stéphane Derenoncourt '10; Quien & Cie- Quien Bordeaux '10; Bonnet-Gapenne- Métaire Grande Du Théron "Prestige" '08. (France - Champagne) Jeeper- Primier Cru NV, Cuvée Rosé Brut; Vollereaux- Cuvée Tradition NV. (Italy - Toscano) La Gerla- Brunello di Montalcino '07. (Italy - Piedmonte) Giuseppe Principiano- Barolo '07. (Italy - Sicily) CVA Canicatti- Centuno Nero D'Avola '10, Aynat Nero D'Avola '09. (Italy - Lazio) San Giovenale- Habemus '10. (California - Sonoma) Dreyer Sonoma Solitude Chardonnay '12.

 

 

SherryFest Grand Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: Hidalgo-La Gitana- Wellington Palo Cortado VORS, Faraón Oloroso VORS, Triana Pedro Ximénez; González Byass- Solera 1847 Oloroso Dulce, Matusalem Oloroso VORS, 1982 Añada Palo Cortado, Nectar Pedro Ximénez, Noe Pedro Ximénez VORS; Delgado Zuleta- Amontillado Quo Vadis?, Pedro Ximénez Monteagudo; Barbadillo- Pedro Ximénez; Williams & Humbert- Don Guido Pedro Ximénez VOS; Fernando de Castilla- Antique Amontillado, Antique Pedro Ximénez; Valdespino- Oloroso Solera de su Majestad; Urium- Pedro Ximénez VORS; César Florido- Moscatel Especial, Moscatel Pasas; Sánchez Romate- Old & Plus Amontillado, Old & Plus Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez Cardenal Cisneros; Lustau- Fino del Puerto En Rama, Fino de Jerez En Rama, Almacenista Manuel Cuevas Jurado Manzanilla Pasada, Pedro Ximénez San Emilio.

 

 

Weygandt Selections Portfolio Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (France - Rhône) Domaine Grand Nicolet- Rasteau Vielles Vignes '11, Rasteau "Les Esqueyrons" '10; Domaine Alary- Cairanne "La Jean De Verde" '10; Yann Chave- Crozes Hermitage "Le Rouvre" '11; Domaine Font Sarade- Vacqueras "Les Hauts de La Ponche" '11; Domaine Saint-Damien- Gigondas "La Louisianne" Vielles Vignes '11; Domaine Raymond Usseglio- Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Girard" '11, Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Imperial" '11; Domaine de Ferrand- Châteauneuf-du-Pape '11; Domaine St. Theodoric- Châteauneuf-du-Pape "La Guigasse" '11, Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Le Grand Pin" '11. (France - Savoie) Denis & Didier Berthollier- Chignin Vielles Vignes '12, Rousette "Baron Decouz" '12. (France - Bourgogne) Chateau Grange Cochard- Morgon Vielles Vignes '11; Rémi Jobard- Meursault "Les Narvaux" '11; Serafin Pere & Fils- Gevrey-Chambertin Vielles Vignes '11, Chambolle-Musigny "Les Baudes" '11.

 

 

San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double-Gold Winners Tour - NY 2013
Best Picks: Grand Teton Vodka; Miodula Presidential Blend Honey Vodka; Tequila Huizache Reposado; Mestizo Mezcal Joven & Añejo; 8 Viboras Mezcal Joven; Panama Red Rum; Bulleit Rye; Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon; James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon; Chila Orchata Cream Rum.

 

 

Michael Skurnik Wines Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Italy - Brunello di Montalcino) Gianni Brunelli- Brunello di Montalcino '07, 04, Riserva '07, Riserva '06; Podere Brizio- Brunello di Montalcino '07, '06, '04, '01, Riserva '07, Riserva '06, Riserva '04; Ciacci Piccolomini- Brunello di Montalcino "Pianrosso" '08, "Pianrosso" Riserva '06; Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino '08. (Italy - Barolo) Borgogno Serio & Battista Barolo Riserva "Cannubi" '06; Marengo Barolo '08; Chiara Boschis Barolo "Via Nuova" '09; Cavallotto Fratelli- Barolo Riserva "Vignolo" '04, "San Giuseppe" '04, "San Giuseppe" '06; Clerico- Barolo "Pajana" '08, "Ciabot Mentin Ginestra" '09; Paolo Conterno- Barolo "Ginestra" '07, '06. (Italy - Barbaresco) Moccagatta Barbaresco "Bric Balin" '10; Sottimano- Barbaresco "Fausoni" '10, Barbaresco "Pajore" '10; La Spinetta- Barbaresco "Gallina" '10, "Staderi" '10, "Valeirano" '10, "Campe" '07. (France - Champagne) Aubry- "Aubry de Humbert" Brut '06, "Le Nombre d'Or Sablé" Blanc des Blanc Brut '08; Lallement "Réserve" Brut NV; Pehu-Simonet- Blanc de Blancs Brut NV, Blanc de Noirs Brut NV; Jean Milan "Sélection Terres de Noel Vielles Vignes" Brut '09; Duc de Romet Brut NV; René Geoffroy- "Volupté" Brut '07, Blanc de Rose Brut NV, Rosé de Saigneé Brut NV, Millésime Extra-Brut '04; Pierre Gimonnet et Fils- "Cuvée Gastronome Brut '08, "Cuvée Oenophile" Extra-Brut '05, "Spécial Club Brut '05, Vintage Collection Brut '05, "Paradoxe" Brut '06; Gaston Chiquet Millésime Brut '04; Marc Hébert- Blanc de Blanc Brut NV, "Prestige" Brut '07, "Rive Gauche-Rive Droite" Grand Cru Brut '06; Moussé- Millésime Brut '08, "Spécial Club" Brut '08; Egly-Ouriet Brut Tradition NV; Henri Billiot "Cuvée Julie" Brut NV; Varnier-Fanniere- "Cuvée Saint Denis" Brut NV, Grand Vintage Brut '06. (Spirits) Greenhook Ginsmiths- American Dry Gin, Beach Plum Gin; El Dorado Rum- Special Reserve 15 y.o., 21 y.o.; Wathen Old Medley 12 yr. Kentucky Bourbon; Sombra Mezcal Joven; Giffard Liqueur- Abricot, Banane, Vanille; Pasquet Cognac- "Tradition Familiale", "Rare" XO 25yr+; Fevrier Cognac "Reserve Familiale" 20-29yr; Adrien Camut Calvados 18yr "Privilege".

 

 

Winebow's Vintners' Harvest Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (France - Côtes du Rhône) Montirius- Gigondas Confidentiel '09; Dom. du Vieux Telegraphe- Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc '11, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge '09; Les Pallieres Gigondas Racines '10. (France - Bordeaux) Château L'Ecuyer Pomerol '10; Château Fonbadet Pauillac '10. (France - Provence) Dom. du Gros Nore- Bandol Rouge '09, Bandol Rouge Cuvee Antoinette '09. (France - Champagne) Lanson- Brut (Black Label) NV, Brut Rosé NV; Philipponnat- Cuvee 1522 Rosé '03, Clos des Goisses '01. (California - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon) Blackbird Vineyards Paramour '10; CADE Estate Napa Cab '09, Howell Mountain Cab '09; Hall Napa Cab '10; Miner- Stagecoach Vineyard '09, The Oracle '08; Neyers Vineyards Neyers Ranch Conn Valley '10; Shafer Vineyards- One Point Five '10, Relentless '10, Hillside Select '09. (Italy - Piemonte) Ceretto- Barbaresco Bricco Asilli '09, Barolo Brunate '08, Barolo Bricco Rocche '08; Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate '08. (Italy - Prosecco) Zardetto Conegliano Brut. (Italy - Veneto) Zenato- Amarone '08, Amarone Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato '06; Allegrini Amarone Classico '08; (Italy - Tuscany) San Polo Brunello di Montalcino '08; Altesino- Brunello Montsoli '08, Brunello Riserva '07; Tua Rita- Giusto Di Notri '09, Redigaffi '10; Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione '10; Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi '09; Valdipiatta Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna d'Alfiero '06; Castello di Bossi Vin San Laurentino '03 (dessert wine). (Italy - Sicily) Morgante Nero d'Avola '09; Tasca d'Almerita Rosso Del Conte Nero d'Avola '07. (Argentina) Catena- Zapata Argentino Malbec '08, Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec '09, Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec '09; Renacer "R" Malbec '09; (Hungary) Dobogó Puttonyos Tokaji. (Spain) Hidalgo La Panesa Fino Especial Sherry NV. (Japan - Sake) Dewatsuru Hihaku Junmai Daiginjo; Manabito Kimoto Junmai Ginjo; Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo; Ginnoyorokobi Daiginjo. (Spirits) Privateer- Silver Reserva Rum, True American Amber Rum; McKenzie Bourbon, Rye, Gin; LiV Vodka; Bull Moose Triple Barrel Rye; Nardini Amaro Felsina; Springbank Single Malt Scotch; Del Maguey Minero Mezcal, Del Maguey Santo Domingo Mezcal; Fortaleza- Blanco, Reposado & Anejo Tequilas; Tullibardine 20 Y.O., Tullibardine 25 Y.O. Single Malt Scotch.

 

 

Frederick Wildman & Sons Portfolio Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (France - Burgundy) Olivier Leflaive- Chassange-Montrachet "Clos St. Marc" 2010, Meursault "Les Boucheres" 2010, Batard Montrachet Grand Cru '10; Château Fuissé- Pouilly-Fuissé "Les Brûlés" 2010, Pouilly-Fuissé Vielles Vignes 2009; Dom. Alain Burguet- Gevrey-Chambertin '09, Gevrey-Chambertin "Mes Favorites" 2010, Chambertin Grand Cru "Clos de Beze" 2010; Dom. Sylvain Cathiard- Nuits-St.-Georges "Aux Thorey" 2009, Nuits-St.-Georges "Les Murgers" 2008; Château Génot-Boulanger- Puligny Montrachet "Les Nosroyes" 2011, Volnay Vielles Vignes '11. (France - Côtes du Rhône) Paul Jaboulet Aîné- Vacqueras "Les Cyprés" 2008, Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Dom. de Terre Ferme" Rouge '10; Crozes-Hermitage "Dom. de Thalabert" 2010, Cote Rotie "Dom. des Pierrelles" 2009, Hermitage "La Chapelle" 2007. (France - Cognac) Leopold Gourmel- Age des Fleurs, Quintessence. (France - Champagne) Pol Roger- Brut Vintage 2002, Brut Rosé 2004, "Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill" 2000. (California - Russian River) Merry Edwards- Pinot Noir "Coopersmith" 2010. (California - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon) Heitz Cellar- "Trailside Vineyard" 2001, "Trailside Vineyard" 2004, "Martha's Vineyard" 2004, "Martha's Vineyard" 2005; Lewis Cellars- Napa '11, Reserve '10; Robert Craig- "Mount Veeder" 2010; Bond Estates- "Quella" 2009, "St. Eden" 2009. (California - Napa Valley - Chardonnay) Chappellet '11.

 

 

Martin Scott Grand Portfolio Tasting - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Spirits) Tuthilltown Spirits- Half Moon Orchard Gin; Corsair Artisan Distillery- Vanilla Bean Vodka, Artisan Gin, Triple Smoke Single Malt Whiskey; Smooth Ambler- Greenbrier Gin, Barrel Aged Gin, Old Scout Straight Bourbon, Old Scout Rye Whiskey; Dancing Pines Distillery- Rum, Creme Brulee Liqueur; Breckenridge Distillery- Bourbon; Balcones- Baby Blue Corn Whiskey; Arran- 10 Yr Single Malt Scotch, 14 Yr Single Malt Scotch; Ian Macleod Distillers- Smokehead, Chieftan's Glenburgie 14 Y.O. Single Malt Scotch.

 

 

Peñín Guide Top Wines from Argentina & Spain - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Argentina - Red) Caelum Cabernet Sauvignon '10; Caelum Malbec Reserva '10; Bacán Reserva Malbec '10; Teho Malbec '10; Tinto Negro Finca La Escuela Malbec '10; Manos Negras Red Wine Soil Select Pinot Noir '10. (Argentina - White) Bacán Sauvignon Blanc '11 Reserva; Caelum Chardonnay Reserva '10. (Spain - Red) Domaines Lupier El Terroir '09; Domaines Lupier La Dama Viñas Viejas '09; Abadía da Cova de Autor '11; Abadía da Cova Barrica '11; D. Miguel Comenge '09; Marqués de Cáceres '08 Reserva; Altino '09; Las Dosces '11; Montalvo Wilmot Syrah '10 Roble; Marqués del Valdueza '07; Vega Enix Xolair '06; Marqués de Terán Selección Especial '09; Eccomi Tinto Super Premium '09. (Spain - White) Don Olegario La Cana '11; Don Olegario Albariño '11; La Soterraña Eresma Verdejo '11; Ordóñez Nisia '11. (Sparkling - Cava) Fuchs de Vidal Cuveé Brut Nature Reserva; Oriol Rossell Reserva de la Propietat '08. (Dessert) Jorge Ordóñez & Co Botani '11; Jorge Ordóñez & Co No. 3 Victoria '10; Jorge Ordóñez & Co No. 3 Viñas Viejas '08; Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez.

 

 

Wines of Israel - NY 2013
Best Picks: (Red) Carmel Mediterranean '09; Dalton- Shiraz '11, Alma '10, Alma SMV '10, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '10; Domaine du Castel- Castel Grand Vin '10, Petit Castel '10; Ella Valley- Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards Choice '07; Flam Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '10; Yarden- Pinot Noir '08, Cabernet Sauvignon '09, Kaztrin '08, Merlot '07; Gvaot- Herodion Cabernet Sauvignon '10, Merlot '11, Masada '10, Gofna Cabernet Reserve '10; Hevron Heights- Armagedon '07, Special Reserve '07, Mount Hevron Cabernet '05, Judean Heights Tempranillo '07; Recanti- Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon '10, Special Reserve '09; Segal's- Dishon Cabernet Sauvignon '09, Single Vineyard Dovev Merlot '09; Teperberg- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '09, Merlot Reserve '10; Tzora Shoresh '10. (White) Carmel Kayoumi White Riesling '11; Dalton Fumé Blanc '12; Ella Valley Chardonnay '11; Yarden Chardonnay '11.

 

 

The 2011 Vintage Port Declaration - NY 2013
Best Picks: Croft- 2011, 2009; Fonseca- 2011, 2009, 2003; Quinta Do Noval- 2011, 2007; Quinta Do Noval Nacional- 2011, 2003; Quinta da Romaneira- 2011, 2008, 2007; Taylor Fladgate- 2011, 2009, 2007, 2003; Taylor Fladgate Vargellas Vinha Velha 2011 (Top Choice).

 

 

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.

 

 

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.