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

 

 

Tre Bicchieri 2017 - Italian Wine Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: (Tuscany) Ornellaia- Bolgheri Sup. '13; Tenuta Di Sesta- Brunello di Montalcino Ris. '10; Mastojanni- Brunello di Montalcino V. Schiena d'Asino '10; Maria Caterina Dei- Nobile di Montepulciano '13; Lamole di Lamole- Chianti Cl. '12; Giodo- Brunello di Montalcino '11; Marchesi Antinori- Tignanello '13; Canalicchio di Sopra- Brunello di Montalcino Ris. '10; Tenuta Di Lilliano- Chianti Cl. Ris. 13; Castello Di Volpaia- Chianti Cl. Ris. '13; Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta- Nobile di Montepulciano Ris. 12; Il Marroneto- Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie '11.
(Piedmont) F.lli Alessandra- Barolo Monvigliero '12; Ca' Viola- Barolo Sottocastello di Novello '11; Vietti- Barolo Ravera '12; Marchesi di Barolo- Barolo Cannubi '12; Donna Olimpia- Bolgheri Rosso Sup. Millepassi '13; Tenuta San Guido- Bolgheri Sassicaia '`13; Elvio Cogno- Barolo Bricco Pernice '11; Vite Colte- Barolo del Comune di Barolo Essenze '12; Elio Grasso- Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate '12; Villa Sparina- Gavi del Comune di Gavi Monterotondo '14; Nicola Bergaglio- Gavi del Comune di Gavi Minaia '15.
(Umbria) Palazzone- Orvieto Cl. Sup. '14; Barberani- Orvieto Cl. Sup. '13; Arnaldo Caprai- Montefalco Sagrantino Collepiano '12.
(Veneto) Tenuta Sant'Angelo- Amarone Campo dei Gigli '12; Allegrini- Amarone Cl. '12; Viticoltori Speri- Amarone Cl. Vign. Monte Sant'Urbano '12; Masi- Amarone Cl. Vaio Armaron Serego Alighieri '11; G.D. Vajra- Barolo Bricco delle Viole '12; Cav. G.B. Bertani- Amarone Cl. '08 & '07; Lorenzo Begali- Amarone Cl. '11; Primosic- Collio Ribolla Gialla di Oslavia Ris. '12.
(Alto Adige) Cantina Terlano- A.A. Terlano Nova Domus Ris. '13.
(Marche) Marotti Campi- Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Cl. Salmariano Ris. '13.
(Sicily) Pietradolce- Etna Rosso V. Barbagalli '13; Cantine Nicosia- Nero d'Avola Sosta Tre Santi '10;
(Sardinia) Surrau- Vermentino di Gallura Sup. Sciala '15.
(Dessert) Tenuta Di Capezzana- Vin Santo di Carmignano Ris. '09; Donnafugata- Passito di Pantelleria Ben Rye '14; Lis Neris- Tal Luc Cuvée Speciale.
(Sparkling) Bortolomiol- Valdobbiadene Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza Brut Nature Grande Cuvée del Fondatore Motus Vitae '13; Sorelle Bronca- Valdobbiadene Brut Particella 68 '15; Merotto- Valdobbiadene Brut Rive Cuvée del Fondatore Graziano Merotto '15

Opici - Fall Trade Show 2016, NYC
Best Picks: (California/Napa) Alpha Omega- Cabernet Sauvignon '12 & Proprietary Red '12; The Debate- Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, To Kalon & Dr. Crane '12; Trinitas Cellars- Cabernet Sauvignon '13; Burgess Cellars- Cabernet Sauvignon '13 & Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon '12; Peju- Cabernet Sauvignon '13; Martin Ray- Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap & Synthesis '13; Mirror- Cabernet Sauvignon '13; Roy Estate- Cabernet Sauvignon '12 & Proprietary Red '10; Educated Guess- Hypothesis Cabernet Sauvignon '13.
(France/Burgundy) Domaine Roux Pere & Fils- Chassange-Montrachet '14, Puligny Montrachet '13 & Gevrey Chambertin '14.
(France/Rhône) Notre Dame- Vacqueras '13, Crozes-Hermitage '13 & Châteauneuf-du-Pape '13.
(Italy) Carpineto- Brunello '10; Magliano- Poggio Bestiale '12 & Perenzo '12; Cesari- Amarone Il Bosco- 2006, '09 & '12; Viberti- Barolo Buon Padre '12 & Barolo San Pietro Riserva '07.
(Spirits) Glen Moray- Single Malt Scotch 12 yr & 16 yr; Bunnahabhain- Single Malt Scotch 13 yr Marsala Cask; Deanston- Single Malt Scotch 14 yr Organic, Bourbon Cask & 20 y.o. Oloroso Cask; Ledaig- Single Malt Scotch 1996 19 y.o. Oloroso Cask; Glencadam- Single Malt Scotch Aged 15 yrs & 25 y.o.; Heritage- Elk Rider Rye, Batch No.12 Bourbon, Brown Sugar Bourbon & Brown Sugar Bourbon 103 prf; Angostura- No. 1 Ltd Edition Aged Rum & 1824 Aged Rum; Monopolowa- Vodka & Gin; Greenall's Gin; Bloom Gin; Dubliner Irish Whiskey; Cedar Ridge- Iowa Bourbon & American Rye; Bruxo Mezcal- #4 Ensamble & #5 20 yr. Tobala; Blackwell- Gold Jamaican Rum; Islay Mist 17 yr Single Malt Scotch; Old Ballantuan Speyside; Danzka- Apple Vodka & Cranraz Vodka; Sobieski- Estate Single Rye Vodka & Raspberry Vodka; Bakon- Flavored Vodka; James Pepper- 1776 Rye; Pow Wow Botanical Rye; Tempus Fugit- Creme de Cacao Liqueur & Creme de Menthe Liqueur; Angelico Fernet.
(Cognac/Armangac) Camus- XO Borderies; Kelt- XO & Commodore Tour Monde; Cles Des Ducs- XO Armagnac.

Winebow - Vintner's Harvest Tasting 2016, NYC
Best Picks: (France/Burgundy) Gachot-Monot- Nuits St Georges "Aux Crots" '13; Dom. Seguin-Manuel- Vosne Romanee "Aux Communes" '14; Taupenot-Merme- Gevrey-Chambertin '14 & Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers" '14; Dom. Bellene- Nuits St. Georges Vielles Vignes '12.
(France/Bordeaux) Chateau Kirwan- Margaux '12.
(France/Rhône) Dom. Le Sang des Cailloux- Vacqueras Rouge '13; Montirius- Vacqueras "Le Clos" '13 & Gigondas Terre des Aines '14; Dom. Faury- Côte-Rôtie '14; Saint Cosme- Côte-Rôtie '14 & Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge '13; Dom. Du Vieux Télégraphe- Châteauneuf-du-Pape '13.
(Italy) Castello di Neive- Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano DOCG '07; Ceretto- Barbaresco Asili DOCG '12, Barolo Brunate DOCG '12 & Barolo Bricco Rocche DOCG '12; Cortese- Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva DOCG '08; Secondo Marco- Amarone Classico DOCG '10; Zenato- Amarone Classico DOC '11 & Amarone Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato DOC '09; Castellare- Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale '12, I Sodi di San Niccolo '11 & Poggio ai Merli '11; Castello di Bossi- Chianti Classico Riserva Bernardo '11 & Corbaia IGT '10; Luigi D'Allessandro- Il Bosco Syrah Cortona '10; San Polo- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG '11 & Brunello di Montalcino Riserva '10; Mastroberardino- Taurasi Riserva '06, Taurasi RIserva "Antonio" '08; Galardi- Terra di Lavoro IGT '09, '11 & '12; Montevetrano- Colli di Salerno '09 & '11; Gianfranco Fino- Fino Es Primitivo di Maduria '13.
(Argentina) El Enemigo- Gran enemigo Gualtalley Cab Franc '11; Bodega Catena Zapata- Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata '10.
(California/Napa) Trefethen Family Vineyards- Estate Chardonnay '14 & Estate Cabernet Sauvignon '13; Pahlmeyer Winery- Proprietary Red '13; Pellet Estate- Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard '12 & Henry's Reserve Pellete Vineyard '14; Rombauer Vineyards- Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Select '12; Shafer Vineyards- One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon '13 & Relentless '13; Spottswoode Estate Vineyard- Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon '13 & Estate Cabernet Sauvignon '13.
(Champagne/Sparkling) Laurent-Perrier- Vintage '06, Grand Siecle NV & Cuvée Rosé NV; Fleury- Bolero Extra Brut 2005 & Sonate No9 Extra Brut Opus 10 '10; Veuve Fournay- Blanc de Blancs Brut 1er Cru NV; La Valle- Rosé Brut Franciacorta DOCG '12; Barone Pizzini- Bagnadore Franciacorta Riserva DOCG '08.
(Spirits) Tullibarine Single Malt Scotch- Sovereign, 225 Sauternes Finish, 228 Burgundy Finish, 500 Sherry PX, 20 yr & 25 yr; Springbank 10 yo Single Malt Scotch; Wolfburn Single Malt Scotch; Dad's Hat- Rye Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels; Tequila Fortaleza- Blanco, Resposado & Añejo; Siete Leguas- Blanco & Reposado Tequilas; Del Maguey- Single Village Mezcal Minero.

New York Coffee Festival 2016
Best Picks: (Coffee/Espresso)
Coffee of Grace (New York, NY)
Light Roast- "currant, blackberries, creamy chocolate finish"
Medium Light Roast- "balanced bright fruit, sweet smooth finish"
Medium Dark Roast- "round, dark chocolate body, full body"
Truth (Cape Town, South Africa)
Resurrection Blend- "caramel, nutty, chocolatey"
Revengeance Blend- "full bodied, praline, syrupy"
Dallis Bros. Coffee (Long Island City, NY)
Single Origin Colombia- "cherry cola, maple, tangerine"
Keffa Coffee Inc. (Baltimore, MD)
Washed Yirgacheffe 'YirgZ' Ethiopia- "floral, honey, cherry, nice body, complex"
Silimakuta Sumatra- "dark chocolate, juicy, cocoa"
Birch (New York, NY)
Emma’s Espresso Blend- "dark cherry, chocolate, mild acidity"
AA Gondo Kenya- "plum, pear, almond, bright acidity, chocolatey finish"
Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop (New York, NY)
Niccolo Melbourne, Australia- "aromatic, nutty, chocolate, touch of citrus, well balanced"
Devocion Farm to Table coffee roasters (Brooklyn, NY)
Citrus- "orange, mandarin peel, lemongrass, lemo&a

Frederick Wildman & Sons Ltd - Portfolio Tasting 2016, NYC
Best Picks: (France/Burgundy/Red) Château de la Maltroye- Chassange-Montrachet Rouge '13; Domaine Gallois- Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru '12; Domaine Méo-Camuzet- Clos Vougeot Grand Cru '13; Domaine Parent- Ladoix 1er Cru La Corvée '13 & Pommard 1er Cru Les Argillières '13; Domaine Armand Rousseau- Gevrey-Chambertin AC '12; Domaine Humbert Frères- Gevrey-Chambertin Vielles Vignes '13 & Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Poissenot '11; Domaine Jacques Prieur- Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru '13 & Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru '13; Domaine Lamarche- Clos Vougeot Grand Cru '12.
(France/Burgundy/White) Château de la Maltroye- Chassange-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Vigne Blanche '12; Domaine Jacques Prieur- Puligny-Montrachet "Les Combettes" 1er Cru '10 & Montrachet Grand Cru '10; Olivier Leflaive Frères- Chassange-Montrachet AC '14 & Puligny-Montrachet "Les Pucelles" 1er Cru '14; Château Fuissé- Pouilly-Fuissé "Vielles Vignes" Single Vineyard '13.
(France/Bordeaux) La Réserve de Leoville Barton '11; Château Figeac '12; Château Cantenac Brown '09; Château Phélan Ségur '05 & '12; Château Ducru-Beaucaillou '01; Château Pichon-Longueville Baron '10; Château Carbonnieux Blanc '12.
(Italy/Red) Santi- Amarone Proemio '06.
(California/Napa) Heitz Cellar- Cabernet Sauvignon Trailside '06 & '10, Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard '09 & '10, Port NV; Phipps Family Cellars- Cabernet Sauvignon '09; Chappellet- Mountain Cuvée '14; Arkenstone- Cabernet Sauvignon NVD '12, Obsidian Estate '12 & Sauvignon Blanc NVD 13.
(California/Sonoma) Merry Edwards- Chardonnay '12, Pinot Nior Klopp '12 & Pinot Noir Coopersmith '14; Benovia- Pinot Noir Pommeraie '13; Sonoma Loeb- Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch '14; Ridge- Merlot Estate '13 & Zinfandel Lytton Springs '13.
(Champagne) Pol Roger- Brut "Blanc de Blancs" '08, Brut Vintage '06, Brut Rosé.
(Cognac) Maison Prunier Cognac X.O.

 

 

 

 

North Fork, Long Island - Summer Wine Tasting 2016
Best Picks:
Paumanok -  (Red) Assemblage 2013; Cabernet Franc Grand Vintage 2013; Petit Verdot Apollo Drive Vineyard 2010.
(White) Festival Chardonnay 2014; Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2014; Chenin Blanc 2014; Dry Riesling 2015; Semi Dry Riesling 2015; Sauvignon Blanc 2015; Minimalist Sauvignon Blanc 2015.   (Rosé) Dry Rosé 2015.
(Sparkling) Blanc de Blancs 2011.   (Dessert) Late Harvest Riesling 2012.
Macari -  (Red) Malbec 2012; Dos Aguas 2010; Merlot Reserve 2010; Cabernet Franc 2013; Bergen Road 2010.
(White) Chardonnay Reserve 2013; Dos Aguas White Blend 2014; Riesling 2013; Sauvignon Blanc "Lifeforce" 2014.
(Sparkling) Cuvée Gabriella Sparkling Brut Rosé 2010.
(Dessert) Block E Red 2012; Block E Riesling 2011.
Pindar -  (Red) Syrah 2014; Merlot 2014; Reserve Merlot 2010; Mythology Meritage 2010.
(White) Viognier 2015; Sunflower Chardonnay Special Reserve 2013 & 2015; Semi Dry Riesling 2015.   (Rosé) Rosé 2015.   (Sparkling) Cuvée Rare 2010.

 

 

 

 

Omni Wines - Spring Summer Tasting 2016, NYC
Best Picks: (Red/Italy) Kaltern- Pinot Nero Saltner '14 & Pfarrhof Schiava Kaltereresee '14; Terre Del Barolo- Barolo '11; Quintodecimo- Taurasi Grande Cerzito '10 & Taurasi Vigna Quintodecimo '09; Accordini- Amarone Acinatico '10 & Amarone Riserva Il Fornetto '10; Fay- Carteria Valtellina Superiore '12 & Sforzato Ronco del Picchio '11; Ca' Del Baio- Barbaresco Valgrande '12, Barbaresco Pora '12 & Barbaresco Asili Riserva '11; Cordero di Montezemolo- Barolo Monfalletto '12 & '01, Barolo Bricco Gattera '11 & '01, Barolo Enrico VI '12; Castello Sonnino- Chianti Montespertoli Ris. '14, Rosso Toscana Cantinino '10 & '08; Antonelli- Sagrantino Chiusa di Pannone '07, Sagrantino di Montefalco '09, '06 & 04.
(White/Italy) Damijan Podversic- Malvasia Istriana '11, Bianco Kaplja IGT '11 & Nekaj Friulano '11; Ca' Del Baio- Langhe Riesling '14; Antonelli- Trebbiano Spoletino '14.
(Red/Spain) Decima- Mencía '14; Toalde- Mencía '13; Val Da Lenda- Mencía '14; Bodegas Triay- Mencía '14; Hacienda Ucediños- Mencía '14; Bodegas Adria- Mencía '14; Bodegas Madai- Mencía Origen '14 & Mencía Sobre Lias '11; Lecea- Tinto reserva '09; Camino Del Villar- Aliaga Rosado Garnacha '14 & Viña Aliaga Antonio Corpus '02; Manuel Formigo- Finca Teira Ribeiro '14 & Teira X Ribeiro '13.
(White/Spain) Avo Roxo- Albariño '13; Rozas- Albariño '13; Bodegas Triay- Godello '14; Hacienda Ucediños- Godello '14.
(Sparkling) Villa Rinaldi- 2008 Brut Premiere; Ombra- Rosé di Pinot NV; At Roca- Brut Reserva 2013.
(Dessert) Kaltern- Passito Serenade '11; Accordini- Recioto Acinatico '12; Cordero di Montezemolo- Barolo Chinato NV; Castello Sonnino- Vin Santo del Chianti '08. (Grappa) Andrea da Ponte; Distilleria Binachi.

 

 

 

 

Wine & Spirits - 2016 Top of the List - Wine Tasting,  NYC
Best Picks: (Red/California) Heitz Wine Cellars- Napa Cab '11 & Trailside Vyrd Napa Cab '10; Hess Collection- No. Coast Hess Select Napa Cab '13; Cakebread- Napa Cab '13 & Pinot Noir '14; Jordan- Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon '12 & '08; Duckhorn- Napa Merlot '08; Silver Oak- Napa Cab '11, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon '11 & '07; Stags' Leap Winery- Napa Cab '13; Frog's Leap- Rutherford Estate Napa Cab '13; Faust- Napa Cab '13; Flowers- Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir '13 & Seaview Ridge Pinot Noir '12; Justin- Paso Robles Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon '12; Chateau Ste. Michelle- Columbia Valley Artist Series '12.
(Red/Italy) Marchesi Antinori- Bolgheri Guadro al Tasso Il Bruciato '12 & Chianti Classico Villa Antinori Rierva '12; Masi Agricola- Amarone '11; Fattoria del Cerro- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva '12; Castello Monsanto- Chianti Classico Riverva Il Poggio '10.
(Red/Spain) La Rioja Alta- Rioja Reserva Alberdi '09 & Torre de Oña '10; Lopez de Heredia Rioja Tondonia Reserva '04; Ramirez de la Piscina- Rioja Seleccion '04 & Rioja Gran Reserva '01; Remelluri Rioja Reserva '01; Hermanos Peciña Rioja Gran Reserva '01.
(White) Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay '14; Flowers- Sonoma Coast Chardonnay '14; Rombauer- Carneros Chardonnay '14; DeLoach- RRV Estate Collection Olivet Bench Vyrd Chardonnay '13; ZD Wines- Napa Valley Chardonnay '14; Joseph Drouhin- Mâcon-Villages '14 & Chablis 1er Cru Vaudon '14; Pascal Jolivet- Sancerre '14 & Pouilly Fumé Les Terres Blanches '14; Jermann- Venezia Giula Pinot Grigio '09 & '15.
(Sparkling) Billecart-Salmon- Extra Brut & Brut Rosé; J. Lassalle- 1er Cru Préférence Brut; Paul Roger- Brut & Brut '06; Schramsberg- No. Coast Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs 1996.
(Port) Taylor Fladgate 20 y.o. Tawny; Sandeman 20 y.o. Tawny; Quinta do Noval- 10 y.o. Tawny & Colhieta 1966; Kopke- 10 y.o. Tawny & 30 y.o. White Port; Graham's 20 y.o. Tawny; Dow's Vintage '04; Churchill's 2005 Late Bottled Vintage; Blandy's- Madiera 15 y.o. Malmsey.

 

 

 

 

Spring To Loire - Loire Valley Wine Tasting -  New York 2016
Best Picks: (White/Sancerre) Barton & Guestier '14; Emile Balland '14; Le Roi des Pierres '15; Sauvion '14; Roland Tissier- "Domaine de Charmilles" '14 & "Etincelle" '13; Pascal Jolivet- '14, "Les Caillottes" '14 & "Sauvage" '14; Raimbault '15; Vincent Pinard Flores '14; Henri Bourgeois "La Porte du Caillou" '14; Remy Pannier '14.
(White/Chinon Blanc) Petit Métris- "Clos de la Marche" '09 & "Les Fougeraises" '11; Domaine de Cézin '13; Moulon de Chavigné '14; Domaine des Baumard "Clos du Papillon" '10.
(Rosé) Remy Pannier '15; Barton & Guestier '14; Domaine de Cézin '13; Le Roi des Pierres '15; Domaine Bailly-Reverdy '15; Domaine Roger Champault '14; Domaine Bellevue '15; Valery Renaudat '15; Henri Bourgeois "La Porte du Caillou" '12;  Domaine du Pre Baron '15; M de Mulonniere '15.
(Sparkling/Crémant) Domaine des Varinelles- Daheuiller NV Sparking Rosé; Bouvet Ladubay "Excellence" NV Sparkling Rosé; Ackerman NV & Sparking Rosé; Domaine du Vieux Pressoir NV; Domaine des Baumard "Carte Turqoise" NV; Langlois NV.
(Dessert) Petit Métris- '11 & "Quarts de Chaume" '09.

 

 

Polaner Selections - Annual Portfolio Tasting 2016, NYC
Best Picks: (France) Antoine Lienhardt- Nuits Saint Georges '14; Anne & Herve Sigaut- Chambolle-Musigny Les Chatelots 1er Cru '13 & Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers VV 1er Cru '13; Duroché- Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaut St. Jacques 1er Cru '14; Sylvain Bailly- Sancerre Chene Marchand '14; Domaine des Vieux Pruniers- Sancerre '15 & Sancerre Rosé '15; Gerard Boulay- Sancerre Monts Damnés '14, Sancerre La Côte '14 & Sancerre Comtesse '14; Vignobles Mayard- Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crau de Ma Mere '12; Mourre Du Tendre- Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tres VV '12.
(California) Carlisle- Zinfandel Saitone Ranch RRV '14; Limerick Lane- Zinfandel Block 1910 RRV '13; Larkmead- Cabernet Sauvignon Napa '13, Firebelle Napa '13 & LMV Salon Napa '13; Outpost- Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Howell Mtn '13; Radio-Coteau- Pinot Noir Savoy Anderson Valley '13 & Chardonnay Savoy '13; Peirson Meyer- Cabernet Sauvignon Napa '13 & Chardonnay Charles Heintz Sonoma Coast '14; Kongsgaard- Chardonnay Napa '13 & Chardonnay Judge Napa '13; Wenzlau- Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills '13.
(Oregon) Halloran- Pinot Noir Le Pavillion Dundee Hills '12 & Pinot Noir Meute de Chiens Willamette '12; J.K. Carriere- Pinot Noir Antoinette Willamette '13, Pinot Noir Anderson '13 & Pinot Noir Shea '13.
(Italy) Castello di Verduno- Barolo Riserva Monvigliero '09; Roagna- Barolo Pira '10; Fèlsina- Chianti Classico Rancia Riserva '11 & Fontalloro '11; Pian dell'Orino- Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante '11.
(Spain) Dominio de Pingus- Flor de Pingus '13.
(Champagne/Sparkling) Pierre Moncuit- Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru & Brut Rosé GC; Moutard- Cuvée 6 Cépages Brut 2007; Sorelle Bronca- Particella 68 Prosecco.
(Dessert) Moulin Touchais- Coteaux du Layon 1997 & 1981; Valdespino- Olorosso VORS Solera de Su Majestad NV & Moscatel Promesa.

 

 

 

 

New Zealand Wine Fair -  New York 2016
Best Picks: (Sauvignon Blanc) Astrolabe- Province '14; Babich- Family Estates Headwaters Organic '15; Brancott Estate- Flight Song '14 & Letter Series B '14; Elephant Hill- '14; Folium- Reserve '14; Framingham- '15; Giesen- '15, The August '12 & The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection Dillons Point '12; Gladstone Vineyard- '14; Greywacke- Wild '13; Kaurangi Estate- '15; Loveblock- '15; Monowai Estate- '15; VH Winery- '15; Mount Riley- '15; Mt. Beautiful- '14; Nautilus Estate- '15; Prophet's Rock- Box O' Birds ' 14; Rock Ferry- '15 & The Corners Vineyard '13; Trinity Hill- '14; Saint Clair- Pioneer Block 20 Cash Block '14 & Wairu Reserve '14; Spy Valley- '13 & ENVOY Johnson Vineyard '14;  Stoneleigh Latitude- '14.
(Pinot Noir) Craggy Range- Te Muna '12; Domaine-Thomson- Surveyor Thomson Single Vineyard '11; Folium- Reserve '13; Gibbston Valley- Glenlee '14, School House '14 & Reserve '14; Giesen- Single Vineyard Selection Ridge Block '13 & Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin '12; Gladstone Vineyard- '13; Loveblock- '12; VH Winery- '14; Mount Riley- Limited Release '15; Mt. Difficulty- Bannockburn '14; Nautilus Estate- '13; Brancott Estate- Letter Series T '14; Prophet's Rock- '13; Rocky Ferry- '13; Rockburn- '13; Wooing Tree- '12 & Sandstorm Reserve '11.

 

 

 

 

Kosher Wine & Spirits Experience 2016 - NYC
Best Picks: (Red Wine / France) Baron Rothschild- Château De Parsac '12 & Les Lauriers '13;  Grand Puy Ducasse '13; Château Greysac Medoc '13; Château Beaulieu La Fleur '12; Château Rollan De By '12; Bokobsa- Gigondas '14 & Châteauneuf-du-Pape '12.
(Red Wine / Israel) Alexander- The Great Grand Reserve '10 & Amarolo '11; Tabor- Adama Il Sufa '12 & Ltd Edition Cabernet Sauvignon '11; Carmel- Mediterranean '10 & Limited Edition '10; The Cave- Old Vine '11; Tulip- Black Tulip '12; 1848- Generation 7 Cab '12 & Special Reserve Cab '11; Matar- CB '13 & Cumulus '13; Netofa- Latour Netofa '12, Red '12 & Tinto 12; Montefiore- Cab '13.
(Red Wine / California) Covenant- Cabernet Sauvignon '13, Red C Red Blend '14 & Solomons Lot 70 Cab '12; Herzog- Single Vineyard Ink Ranch Cab '13, Variations Three Cab '14 & Variations Four Cab '14; Weinstock- Cellar Select Zinfandel '12; Zakon- Petite Syrah '13 & Unoaked Cab '14.
(Red Wine / Spain) Capcanes- Le Flor del Flor de Primavera Garnacha '12, Peraj Petita '13 & Capcanes Petita Rosat '13.
(Sparkling Wine) Baron Rothschild Champagne NV; Laurent Perrier- Brut NV & Brut Rosé NV; Bartenura Prosecco Brut NV.
(Spirits) Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch- 14 y.o., 16 y.o. & 37 y.o.; Boondocks- American Whiskey 11 y.o. & 11 y.o. Cask Strength; AVIV 613 Vodka; Los Arango Tequila- Blanco, Reposado & Añejo; Ron Viejo De Caldas- Gran Reserva; Ron Abuelo Rum- 7 yr & 12 yr; Traverse City- Bourbon; Distillery No. 209- Gin; Legend of Kremlin Vodka; Glengoyne Single Malt Scotch- 15 y.o.; Pura Vida Tequila- Reposado & Añejo; LEAF Vodka- Alaskan Glacial Water Organic & Rocky Mountain Mineral Water Organic; XM Rum- VXO 7 yr, 10 yr & 12 yr; Rives - 1880 London Dry Gin; El Capo Tequila- Platinum & Añejo; Ron Centenario; Schmerling's Chocolate Liqueur.

 

 

 

 

Great Wines of Italy 2016 by James Suckling & Zachys, NYC
Best Picks: (Brunello de Montalcino) Biondi-Santi- 2010; Camigliano- Gualto Riserva '10; Casanova di Neri- Tenuta Nuova '10 & Cerretalto '10; Castiglion del Bosco- 2011 & Campo del Drago '10; Cava D'Onice- 2011 & Riserva '10; Poggio di Sotto- 2010; Marchesi de Frescobaldi- Castelgiocondo '11; Eredi Fuligni- Riserva '10; La Manella- Riserva '10; La Rasina- Divasco Riserva '10; Renieri- Riserva '10; Castello Romitorio- Riserva '10; San Polo- 2010 & Riserva '10; Sassetti Livio- Pertimali Riserva '10; Siro Pacenti- Vecchie Vigne '11 & PS Riserva '10; Tassi- 2011, Franci Riserva '10 & Franci '10; Valdicava- Madonna del Piano Riserva '10.
(Barolo) Borgogno- Liste '10 & Cannubi '10; Enrico Serafino- 2011; Fontanafredda- Comune di Serralunga d'Alba '11; Mauro Molino- Bricco Luciani '11; Pio Cesare- 2011; Prunotto- Bussia '09; Renato Ratti- Marcenasco '11 & Conca '11.
(Amarone) Allegrini- 2011; Masi- 2010.
(Chianti) Castello di Bossi- Chianti Classico Berardo Riserva '11; Rocca delle Macie- Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione '11; Ruffino- Chianti Cl. Ris. Ducale Oro Gran Selezione '10; Nozzole- Chianti Classico Riserva '12; Fontodi- Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello della Pieve '10 & Syrah Colli della Toscana Centrale Casa Via '12; Orma- Toscana '11.
(Nero D'Avola) Donnafugata- Sicilia Mille e Una Notte '10; Feudo Maccari- Sicilia Saia '13.
(Dessert) Donnafugata- Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé '13.
(Sparkling) Bellavista- Franciacorta Alma Cuvée Brut NV & Franciacorta Brut '10.

 

 

 

 

M.S. Walker Late Night Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: Bodegas Riojanas- Monte Real Reserva '09, Monte Real Gran Reserva '78 & '64, Vina Albina Res. '98 & 87; Trediberri- Langhe Rosato '15; Dom. Vincent Carême- Vouvray Le Peu Morier '12; Alphonse Mellot- Sancerre La Moussiere Rouge '12; Dom. Grosbois- Chinon Gabare '14; Dom. La Garrigue- Vacqueyras Cuvée de L'Hostellerie '13; Dom. Leroy- Bourgogne Aligote '11; Dom. Vrignaud- Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Vielles Vignes '12; Philippe Pacalet- Gevery-Chambertin '13; Dom. A.-F. Gros- Richebourg Grand Cru '12; Aurelio Settimo- Barolo 2010, '09, '08, '05, '04 & 1998; Sean Thackrey- Cab Franc Hossfeld Vineyard '11;  Mvemve Raats- MR de Compostella '13; Doyard-Mahé- Cuvée Carte D'Or Brut 10.

 

 

 

 

Tre Bicchieri 2016 - Italian Wine Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: (Tuscany) Colle Massari- Brunello di Montalcino '10 & Bolgheri Rosso Sup. Grattamacco '12; Badia a Coltibuono- Chianti Cl. '13; Brancaia- Chianti Cl. Riserva '12; Rocca Delle Macie- Chianti Cl. Gran Selezione '11; Le Chiuse- Brunello di Montalcino- 10; Poderi Boscarelli- Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio '11; Castello Di Bolgheri- Bolgheri Sup. Rosso '12; Guado Al Melo- Bolgheri Rosso Sup. Atis '12; Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia- Bolgheri Sup. '12; Fontodi- Flaccianello Della Pieve '12.
(Piedmont) Brandini- Barolo Resa 56 '11; Giacomo Borgongo & Figli- Barolo Liste '10; Bel Colle- Barolo Monvigliero '09; Elvio Cogno- Barolo Ravera '11; Vietti- Barolo Rocche di Castiglione '11; Poderi Luigi Einaudi- Barolo Cannubi '11.
(Umbria/Lazio) Giampaolo Tabarrini- Montefaclo Sagrantino '11; Arnaldo Caprai- Montefalco Sagrantino Collepiano '11 & Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni '9; Sergio Mottura- Grechetto Poggio della Costa '14.
(Friuli/Veneto) Russiz Superiore- Collio Friulano '14; Tenuta Sant'Antonio- Amarone '11; Viticoltori Speri- Amarone '11; Masi- Amarone '09; Agostino Vincentini- Soave Sup. Il Casale '14; Graziano Pra- Soave Cl. Staforte 13 & Amarone '10.
(Alto Adige) Cantina Convento Muri-Gries- A.A. Lagrein Abtei Muri Ris. '12; Elena Walch- Lagrein Castel Ringberg Ris. '11.
(Trentino) Bis La Vis- Trentino Müller Thurgau V. delle Forche '14.
(Sicily) Planeta- Cerasuolo di Vittoria Cl. Dorilli '13; Pietradolce- Etna Rosso V. Barbagalli '12.
(Sardinia) Tenute Sella & Mosca- Vermentino di Gallura Sup. Monteoro '14; Vigne Surrau- Branu Sciala '14 & Branu Vermentino '14.
(Dessert) Vignalta- Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio Passito Alpianae '12.
(Sparkling) Bortolomiol- Valdobbiadene Brut Prior '14; Villa Sandi- Cartizze Brut V. La Rivetta; Cavit- Trento Brut Altemasi Graal Ris. '08; Ferrari- Trento Extra Brut Lunelli Ris. '07; Ferghettina- Franciacorta Extra Brut '09; Conte Emo Capodilista- Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio Spumante.

 

 

 

 

West Of West - West Sonoma Coast Vintners 2016 Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: (Chardonnay) Alma Fria- 2013 "Plural"; Banshee Wines- 2014 & 2014 Charles Heintz Vineyard; Ceritas- 2014 Charles Heintz Vineyard & 2014 Porter-Bass Vineyard; Ernest Vineyards- 2014 "The Farmer"; Falia Wines- 2013; Flowers- 2013 Camp Meeting Ridge Estate ; Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery- 2013 "FRV"; Gregory James- 2014 Patient Terrier; Hirsch Vineyards- 2013 Estate; Joseph Phelps Vineyards- 2013 Freestone Vineyards; La Pitchoune Winery- 2013; Littorai Wines- 2013 Thieriot Vineyard; MacRostie Winery & Vineyards- 2014 Goldrock Ridge; Martinelli Winery- 2012 Three Sisters; Peay Vineyards- 2014 Sonoma Coast; Red Car Wine- 2013 & 2013 Estate Vineyard; Senses Wines- 2013 Sonoma Coast & Charles Heintz Vineyard; Small Vines- 2013; Sojourn Cellars- 2014 Sonoma Coast; Wayfarer- 2013 Wayfarer Vineyard.
(Pinot Noir) Alma Fria- 2013 "Plural" & 2013 Doña Margarita Vineyard; Flowers Vineyards- 2012 Sea View Ridge Estate; Hirsch Vineyards- 2013 "San Andreas Fault" Estate; Joseph Phelps- 2012 Quarter Moon Vineyard; MacRostie Winery- 2013 Goldrock Ridge & 2014 Hellenthal Vineyard; Martinelli Winery- 2012 Three Sisters Vineyard & 2013 Blue Slide Ridge; Peay Vineyards- 2013 Estate; Senses Wines- 2014 & 2013 Hillcrest Estate Vineyard; Small Vines Wines- 2013 & 2009 MK Vineyard; Soliste- 2012 L'Esperance.

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine - 2016 Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: (Tuscany) Tenute  Silvio Nardi- Poggio Doria Brunello di Montalcino '12; ColleMassari- Brunello di Montalcino '10; Cerbaiona- Brunello di Montalcino '11; Col D'Orcia- Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino '08;  Mastrojanni- Brunello di Montalcino '11; Casanova di Neri- Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova '11 & Cerretalto '10; Cecchi- Coevo '12; Caatello Banfi- Excelsus ''10; Castello di Monsanto- Chianti Cl. Riserva '10; Castello di Volpaia- Chianti Cl. Gran Selezione '10; Ruffino- Ris. Ducale Oro Chianti Cl. Gran Selezione '11; Melini- Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Cl. Riserva '11; Felsina- Colonia Chianti Cl. Riserva '10; Castello di Fonterutoli- Chianti Cl. Gran Superiore '11; Rocca Delle Macie- Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Cl. Gran Superiore '11; Petra- Super Tuscan '12; Capezzana- Riserva Vinsanto '08.
(Piedmont) Batasiolo- Biccolina Barolo '11; Pio Cesare- Barolo '11; Vite Colte- Essenze Barolo '11 & Paesi Tuoi Barolo '11; La Salceta- Osato Rosé '14.
(Alto Adige) Muri-Gries- Sudtirol Lagrein Riserva '12; Cantina Terlano- Vorberg Ris. '12 & Terlaner '12; Cantina Tramin- Terminum '12 dessert wine.
(Umbria/Orvieto) Decugnano dei Barbi- Il Blanco '14.
(Apulia) Alberto Longo- Le Fossette '14. (Friuli/Veneto) Schiopetto- Friulano '14.
(Sicily) Planeta- Santa Cecilia Nero D'Avola '11; Baglio di Pianetto- Cembali Nero D'Avola '09; Feudo Maccari- Nero D'Avola '14; Cusumano- Nero D'Avolo Sagana '13; Tasca D'Almerita- Lamuri Nero D'Avola 13.(Sardinia) Pala- Vermentino '14. (Apulia) Alberto Longo- Le Fossette '14.
(Sparkling) Bartolomiol- Bandarossa & Ius Naturae; Villa Sandi- Cartizze Prosecco.

 

 

 

 

La Nuit En Rosé - Rosé Garden Party, NYC 2016
Best Picks: (Provence) Château D'Esclans Rock Angel '15 & Garrus '14; Triennes 2015; Château La Gordonne- Vérité du Terroir '15 & La Chapelle Gordonne '15; Château de Berne- Impatience '15 & Terres de Bernes '14; Barton & Guestier Passport '15; Villa Barton '15; Maison Fabre Château de la Clapière '15; Domaine Camaisette '14; Maison Marcel Black Moscato '15.
(Longuedoc-Roussillon) Château de Jonquieres Cuvée Cersius '15.
(Bordeaux) Vignobles Vincent Lataste Château de Lardiley '15; Vignobles Chatelier Château Cantelaudette Cuvée Prestige 2015 & 2014; Château Lauduc Classic '15; Domaine de la Castille Rosé IGP Pays du Var '15.
(Loire) Domaine Sautereau Sancerre Rosé '15; Domaine Bellevue Touraine '15.
(Corsica) Domaine Terra Vecchia '15; Clos Poggiale '15; Tentation '15.
(Champagne/Sparkling) Ferrari- Brut Rosé NV & Perle Rosé '08; Antech Cremant de Limoux Cuvée Emotion '13.

 

 

 

 

Slow Wine - 2016 Italian Wine Tasting, NYC
Best Picks: (Red) Borgogno- Barolo Cannubi '10; Mirafiore- Barolo Paiagallo '11 & Barolo Riserva '05; Brandini- Barolo Resa 56 '11; Casina Bric- Barollo Bricco Delle Viole '10; Cascina Fontana- Barolo '11; Dosio- Barolo '10; La Bioca- Barolo Stolét '12; Sukula- Barolo Meriame '11; G.D. Vajra- Barolo Bricco Delle Viole '11; Stroppiana- Barolo Leonardo '11; Avignonesi- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano '12 & '11; Badia a Coltibuono- Chianti Classico Riserva '11; Castello di Monsanto- Chianti Classico Il Poggio Riserva '10 & Chianti Cl. Ris. 50 Vendemmia '12; Fiorenzo Nada- Barbaresco Manzola '11; Castello di Neive- Barbaresco Santo Stefano Albesami '09; Tabarrini- Montefalco Sagrantino Colle Alle Maccie '11 & Montefalco Sagrantino Campo Alla Cerqua '11; Paolo Rodaro- Friuli Colli Orientali Refosco Dal P.R. Romain 2009; Le Vigne di Zamo- Friuli Colli Orientali Merlot Cinquant'Anni 2011; Musita- Sicili Nero D'Avola Reggiterre '14; Ferreri e Bianco- Nero D'Avola '14 & D'Avola Brasi '12.
(White) Pieropan- Soave Cl. Calvarino '13 & Soave Cl. La Rocca '13; Paolo Rodaro- Friulano 2014; Le Vigne di Zamo- Friuli Colli Orientali Friulano Cinquant'Anni 2013.
(Sparkling) Zago- Prosecco Millesimato Brut 2015; Contratto- M. CL. Extra Brut '10; Cascina Bretta Rossa- Alta Langa Cuvée Leonora Rosé; Barone Pizzini- Franciacorta Brut Animante NV, Franciacorta Naturae '11 & Franciacorta Riserva Bagnadore '08.

 

 

 

 

Grands Crus de Bordeaux - 2013 Vintage Tasting, NYC 2016
Best Picks: (White) Pessac-Léognan: Château Carbonnieux; Ch. de Chevalier; Ch. Latour-Martillac; Ch. La Louvière; Ch. Olivier; Ch. Pape Clément; Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte.
(Red) Saint-Émilion: Château Canon-la-Gaffelière; Ch. Troplong Mondot; Ch. Villemaurine.
Pomerol: Château Clinet; Ch. Gazin.
Médoc: Château La Tour de By.
Margaux: Château Brane-Cantenac; Ch. Kirwan; Ch. Lascombes; Ch. Prieuré-Lichine.
Saint-Julien: Château Beychevelle; Ch. Gruaud Larose; Ch. Langoa Barton; Ch. Léoville Barton; Ch. Léoville Poyferré; Ch. Talbot.
Paulliac: Château Clerc Milon; Ch. Lynch-Bages; Ch. Lynch-Moussas; Ch. Pichon Baron.
Saint-Estèphe: Château Lafon-Rochet; Ch. de Pez; Ch. Phélan Ségur.
Pessac-Léognan: Château Latour-Martillac; Ch. Malartic-Lagravière; Ch. Olivier; Ch. Pape Clément; Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte.
(Sauternes) Château Doisy-Daëne; Ch. de Fargues; Ch. Guiraud; Clos Haut-Peyraguey; Ch. de Rayne Vigneau; Ch. La Tour Blanche.

 

 

 

 

Domaine Select Wine & Spirits - Celebrating Character -
Grand Portfolio Tasting - NYC 2016
Best Picks: (Spirits) Diplomatico Rum- Exclusiva, Ambassador, Single Vintage 2000; Excellia Tequila- Blanco, Reposado, Añejo; KGB Spirits- Governor's Reserve Taos Lightning Rye, John David Albert 5 yr Rye, Turley Mill Cask Strength Rye, Hacienda Gin, Vodka Viracocha; J.P. Trodden Small Batch Bourbon; Varnelli- Amaro Sibilla, Amaro Dell'Erborista, Caffe Moka; Lucano- Amaro, Caffe, Limoncetta; G'Vine Floraison Gin; Bowen's American Whiskey; Ransom- Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, The Vodka; Tuthilltown Spirits- Half Moon Gin, Indigenous Apple Vodka; Usquaebach Blended Scotch- "Old Rare" Superior, 15 y.o., "Reserve" Premium; WhistlePig 10 yr Rye; Rebellious Rye Whiskey; Gracias a Dios Mezcal; Mae de Ouro- Cachaça; Armangnac Castarede- Reserve de la Familie, 1986 Vintage, 1976 Vintage, 1966 Vintage; Suze Bitters.
(Champagne) Phillippe Gonet- Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Millesime Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru '07, Belmnita Millesime Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru '05.