Chianti Classico Consorzio Grand Tasting NYC 2026

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Chianti is probably the most recognized Italian wine in the world. The wines have come a long way since the flask/candle holder bottles of the past.

The wines are from the Tuscany region of Italy and are made primarily from the Sangiovese grape. At one time, the regulations mandated a proportion of white wine to the blend but in the modernization of the industry, they did away with that regulation and also permitted “foreign” varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Chianti DOCG consists of the seven subzones of Colli Arenti, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Ruffina, Montespertoli with the new subzone of Terre di Vinci added in 2026.

The most recognizable zone is Chianti Classico with its iconic black rooster (gallo nero) trademark and is a separate DOCG from the Chianti DOCG.

The wines are categorized by the aging classifications of Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione. If those requirements aren’t’ enough, beginning in 2027 for the Gran Selezione they will add the UGA (additional geographical units) classification which will be sub districts within the sub districts.

On April 27th, the Consorizio Vino Chianti Classico, which was founded in 1927, sponsored a Grand Tasting of wines from the Classico region.

It was a walk around tasting for members of the trade of wines from over 35 wineries and was held at Ai Fiori restaurant at 400 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

In addition to wine, they poured several extra virgin olive oils.

Some of what I sampled:

1990 Vigneti Le Selvanella Riserva: Clear medium brick, perfume of tar, graphite and white pepper, chewy red fruit with tart cherry notes on the finish.

2003 Castello Verrezzano Riserva: Cloudy medium brick, ripe red cherry and toasted nuts on the nose, chewy finish with lip smacking tannin.

2004 San Fabiano Calcinaia Riserva: Cloudy dark brick, sweet tar and fresh herbs on the nose, thick and chewy with a very chewy long finish, nice balance.

2005 Carparsa Riserva: Cloudy dark brick, saline, toast, graphite and barnyard on the nose, chewy fruit with gun metal notes, dusty, long finish.

2016 Monsanto Gran Selezione “Il Poggio”: Opaque medium brick, tarry, dirty red cherry on the nose, chewy red fruit with leather notes, fruit and firm finish.

2016 Felsina Berardenga Gran Selezione “Colonia”: Clear dark red, saline and barnyard on the nose, thick and chewy with walnut notes, chewy finish.

2019 Vigneti La Selvanella Riserva: Clear medium red, tar, graphite and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy and dusty fruit ending with firm, chewy tannin.

2020 Monsanto Gran Selezione: Clear medium purple, dusty wood and black cherry on the nose, tight red cherry fruit with slate notes, firm acidity.

2020 La Salla del Torriano Gran Selezione: Opaque dark red, dark chocolate and fresh rosemary on the nose, dense and chewy fruit with dusty slate notes, firm, long finish.

2020 Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione: Opaque medium brick, toasty, sweet, tarry red fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, firm with a lingering finish.

2021 Carpineto Gran Selezione: Opaque dark red, sweet roast meat, saline and roasted cocoa on the nose, chewy dark chocolate fruit with saline and roasted nut notes, firm finish.

2021 San Fabiano Calcinaia Gran Selezione “Cellole”: Single Vineyard. Opaque medium red, graphite and sweet violet on the nose, silky red fruit with green herb notes and a nice grip on the finish.

2021 San Felice Gran Selezione “La Pieve”: Opaque medium purple, sweet dirty chocolate on the nose, chewy dark bright red fruit, tight red fruit on the finish.

2021 Carparsa Gran Selezione: Opaque medium red, perfume of tar and graphite, chewy and silky red fruit, firm grip, long finish.

2022 Frescobaldi Gran Selezione “Rialzi”: Opaque dark red, crushed red fruit and dirty chocolate on the nose, silky red fruit ending with firm acidity. Some heat.

Calvados: Apple Brandy In The Big Apple

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Calvados is a brandy produced in the Normandy region of France.

Unlike its more famous cousins, Cognac and Armagnac which are distilled from grapes, Calvados is distilled from locally grown apples (with a small amount of pear juice) and since it’s made from fruit it’s considered an eau de vie.

It is an AOC (Appelation d”Origin Controlee) aged at least two years with aging categories similar to Cognac and Armagnac such as VS, Reserve, VSOP and XO.

I think these are underrated brandies, distilled dry with a hint of the apples they are made from. The younger brandies are good for mixers and there was a bartender on hand mixing Calvados based cocktails, while the brandies with some age to them are perfect to sip on their own.

On June 8th the organization that promotes the spirit held a tasting at Lillistar in the Moxy Hotel at 353 Bedford Avenue in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

There were a handful of producers at the event.

Busnel Distillery

Since 1820 poured several from Pays d”Auge

8yr XO aged in port barrels

8yr XO aged in whisky barrels

8yr XO aged in sauternes barrels.

12yr

“Hommage Georges Busnel” which is a 22yr Calvados, a very nice sipper

Boulard

Since 1825 poured a duo of their Pays d” Auge VSOP

VSOP

VSOP Rye Cask Finished

Domaine du Coquerel

Since 1935 poured

VS

VSOP

XO

Mannois Spring Portfolio Tasting NYC 2026

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Mannois is one of the many importers/distributors of wine and spirits that service the hospitality industry in the tri state area of New York.

During the Spring and Autumn times of the year, these companies have tastings of the wines and spirits in their portfolios for members of the trade. On May 18th I attended their annual Spring portfolio tasting.

They have an international portfolio with a strong French presence. I focused on those French wines, with an emphasis on the wines of Burgundy.

The event was held at Manhatta restaurant which is perched sixty floors up at 28 Liberty Street with outstanding views of lower Manhattan harbor.

Some of what I sampled:

Old World

White

2024 Maison Champy Chablis (Burgundy): Light yellow in color, green herbs and tropical fruit and some toast on the nose, tight with lime notes and oak on the finish.

2020 Domaine Michehot Meursault “Elevage en Gres” (Burgundy): Light gold in color, perfume of floral stone and herbs, toasty moderate fruit with a chewy finish and firm acidity.

2021 Thomas Labille Chablis “Paradis” (Burgundy): Clear light gold, green tropical fruit on the nose, moderate fruit with green herbs and lime notes on the grip at the end.

2023 Alain et Adrien Gautherin Chablis Grand Cru “Grenouilles” (Burgundy): Light yellow color, earthy, floral nose, moderate fruit with earth notes on the finish, nice balance.

2023 Alain et Adrien Gautherin Chablis Grand Cru “Les Clos” (Burgundy): Light yellow in color, ripe flowers on the nose, chewy fruit, good grip, long meaty finish.

Red

2016 L’Oratoire des Pape Chateauneuf du Pape “Les Choregies” (Rhone): Opaque medium red, closed nose of chopped chocolate, dense and chewy fruit with a tarry finish, chewy tannin.

2016 Chateau Pavie Grand Cru (St. Emillion): Opaque black, purple rim, tree bark and sour pickle on the nose, tight and dense red fruit with stone notes, good grip.

2018 Chateau Monbousquet Grand Cru (St. Emillion): Opaque dark red, purple rim, violets and gun metal on the nose, tight and dense with sour cherry notes on the firm finish.

2008 Maison Champy Clos Vougeot Grand Cru (Burgundy): Cloudy medium brick, eucalyptus, petroleum and cooked fruit on the nose, tight and tannic.

2022 Jean Pierre Maldant Cote d”Or Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy): Clear light purple, milk chocolate on the nose, chewy, moderate light fruit with green herb notes, moderate tannin and acidity.

2022 Jean Pierre Maldant Corton Charlamagne Grand Cru (Burgundy): Clear light purple, perfume of dirt, tar and red leather, chewy red fruit with bitter almond notes, dusty grip.

2022 Maison Champy Beaune Vieilles Vignes (Burgundy): Clear light purple, toasty tar and graphite on the nose, silky bright red fruit with bitter cherry notes, nice mouthfeel.

2022 Maison Champy Corton Charlamagne Grand Cru (Burgundy): Clear medium purple, closed nose of white pepper and milk chocolate, tight red fruit, mouth filling tannin.

New World

2019 Larry Hyde Vineyards Merlot Estate (Carneros): Opaque medium brick, ripe black fruit on the nose, chewy fruit with dark chocolate and herb notes, chewy finish, good grip.

2021 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon “Darms Lane Fortune” (Napa Valley): Opaque black, purple rim, crushed sweet berries and black pepper on the nose, concentrated and chewy with slate notes on the firm finish.

2022 Whistler Estate Pinot Noir “Whistler Vineyard” (Sonoma Coast): Clear light brick, sour cherry on the nose, tight with dried herb notes, firm, chewy finish with black pepper notes.

2022 Whistler Pinot Noir “Wilson Vineyard” (Sonoma Coast): Clear light brick, warm barnyard on the nose, chewy and tight with leather notes, good grip.

Vinous Icons Italy NYC 2026

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Vinous is an online wine magazine that “explores all things wine”. It is published by wine writer and wine critic, Antonio Galloni.

As with other wine magazines, they feature articles on wine regions, wine personalities and of course, wine reviews and ratings by their wine writers.

A couple of times a year they host their “Icons” series of tastings which feature iconic wines as determined by the writers at the magazine.

In New York City this past February they hosted the Iconic wines of the world tasting and on May 14-16 hosted Vinous Icons: Italy.

Both of them were massive tastings featuring 100+ high-quality wines and were open to both Trade and Consumer.

Italy is one big vineyard with over 370 native grape varieties, so it wasn’t difficult to fill out the room with wine and most of the regions were represented at the tasting.

The event was held at the event space Hall des Lumieres at 49 Chambers Street, a couple of blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan.

Hall des Lumieres is a Beaux Arts landmarked building that was the former Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank. The former bank and now event space is a cavernous, cathedral like building with soaring ceilings and was constructed at a time when banks were built to impress customers.

With dark, moody lighting and video splashed on the walls, it made for a sexy venue for a wine tasting but it also made it difficult for people in my age bracket to read notes, but I did my best.

Some of what I sampled:

2010 Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture “La Firma” (Basilicata): Clear light brick, petroleum and varnish on the nose, chewy crushed cocoa fruit, silky and chewy finish with a good grip.

2016 Montemercurio Vino Nobile di Montalcino “Domo” (Tuscany): Opaque dark red, brick rim, roast meat, barnyard and varnish on the nose, concentrated red fruit with slate and bitter cherry notes on the finish.

2018 Brancaia “Ilatraia” (Tuscany): Bordeaux blend. Opaque medium red, brick rim, tar, white and stinky chocolate on the nose, chewy fruit with chocolate notes, firm tannin.

2019 Masi Amarone Classico Riserva “Costasera” (Veneto): Clear medium brick, Crushed dark chocolate, tar and crushed red fruit on the nose, juicy and chewy with milk chocolate notes, good grip.

2020 Tolaini “Perlui” (Tuscany): Cabernet Franc. Clear medium purple, sweet tar, graphite and black cherry on the nose, silky red fruit with red leather notes, firm tannin.

2020 Ampeleia “16 File” (Tuscany): Cabernet Franc. Cloudy medium brick, closed nose of tar, graphite and sour barnyard, chewy fruit with a chewy and dusty finish with slate notes.

2020 Gian Luca Mazzella Taurasi Riserva “Paterico” (Campania): Opaque medium brick, smoke and tar on the nose, thick and tarry with dark chocolate notes, good grip.

2021 Donnafugata “Mille e Una Notte” (Sicily): Opaque black, purple rim, slate and crushed black fruit on the nose, tight and concentrated with crushed rock notes, dusty finish.

2021 Fattoria Le Pupille Syrah “Le Pupile” (Tuscany): Clear medium red, dirty red cherry on the nose, chewy and silky fruit, dusty finish, good grip.

2021 Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda (Tuscany): Clear light brick, sweet black fruit on the nose, chewy and tarry fruit with black cherry notes on the firm finish.

2023 Argiano “Solengo” (Tuscany): Bordeaux blend. Opaque dark red, purple rim, crushed plum on the nose, dense and chewy red fruit with a dusty, firm finish.

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous

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There are wine tastings, and then there are wine tastings.

There are many trade/professional wine tasting events in New York City since this city is one of the largest markets for fine wines and spirits.

All the distributors/importers and various trade organizations are here to market and sell their products to the people and businesses that sell to the public.

Sometimes a distributor will showcase their whole product line which would be a massive tasting with triple digit bottles to be sampled while the trade associations will showcase the wines of a particular country.

The best consumer tastings are the ones that are run by wine magazines such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Decanter.

Sometimes those distributors will show only a part of their portfolio at a smaller tasting. The trade organizations will have a smaller tasting promoting a particular wine region.

On May 13th I attended one of those smaller, more intimate tasting.

Masion Barriere manages the operations of Grands Millesimes de Framce, which has been offering a curated selection “of the finest Bordeaux wine and wines from around the world”.

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous began in 2012 as a marketing arm of 10 Grands Crus Classes Chateaux. These Chateaux were represented at this small, intimate tasting.

There was a little over a dozen Chateau at the tasting. Along with their Grand Cru wines, many poured their second and third label wines which are a good way to drink good Bordeaux at a more approachable price point than the Grand Cru wines.

More importantly, along with the second and third label wines, they poured older vintages from their Grand Cru wines, good Bordeaux needs some time in the bottle to open up, and there was some very nice wine to be sampled.

The tasting was held at the Suntory offices at 11 Madison Avenue, across from Madison Square Park in Manhattan.

Saint-Estephe

2010 Chateau Cos d”Estournel: Opaque dark red, brick rim, cherry tar and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, silky tannin, nice grip.

2012 Chateau Cos d’Estournel: Opaque black, brick rim, smokey and dirty dark chocolate on the nose, silky dark fruit ending with firm and silky tannin.

Pessac-Leognan

2014 Domaine de Chevalier “L’Esprit de Chevalier”: Opaque black, purple rim, closed nose of tar and black cherry, chewy and chunky dark fruit with great balance.

2019 Domaine de Chevalier: Opaque black, purple rim, slate and forest floor on the nose, darkly concentrated with a chewy finish, great balance.

2022 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere: Opaque dark red, purple rim, dirty tar and black cherry on the nose, chewy, firm fruit ending with crisp acidity.

Pomerol

2016 Chateau Rouget: Opaque black, purple rim, graphite and cooked fruit on the nose, chewy black fruit ending with firm tannin and acidity.

2018 Chateau Rouget: Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of milk chocolate and graphite, silky red fruit, firm finish.

Saint-Emilion

2016 Chateau Grand Mayne: Opaque dark red, brick rim, tar, saline and red cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit, nice grip.

2018 Chateau Grand Mayne: Opaque dark red, purple rim, dusty sweet dark chocolate and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy, silky and dusty fruit with slate notes, long, firm grip.

2018 Chateau Troplong Mondot: Opaque black, purple rim, closed nose of cocoa and pickle juice. chewy and dense black fruit, firm finish.

Haut-Medoc

2018 Chateau Cantermerle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, tar, chocolate, mint and toast on the nose, chewy black fruit with a firm and long finish.

2020 Chateau Cantermerle: Opaque black, purple rim, white pepper, tar and milk chocolate on the nose, dense red fruit, firm finish.

2022 Chateau Beychevelle “Brulieres de Beychevelle”: Opaque medium purple, closed nose of stone and tar, silky dark fruit with gun metal notes, silky tannin, great balance.

Margaux

2016 Chateau Marquis d’Alesme: Opaque black, purple rim, crushed chocolate and black cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit with gun metal notes on the firm finish.

2016 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, brick rim, dark chocolate and crushed red fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, great balance.

2019 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, purple rim, toast and petroleum on the nose, silky red fruit with chocolate notes on the finish, good grip.

2020 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, purple rim, saline, red fruit and milk chocolate on the nose, tight red fruit, firm finish.

Saint-Julien

2005 Chateau Lagrange: Opaque medium red, brick rim, perfume of dirty tar and roasted nuts on the nose, concentrated, chewy and silky fruit, good grip.

2019 Chateau Beychevelle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of sweet tar and pencil shavings, silky red fruit with good balance.

2020 Chateau Beychevelle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, tar, sweet graphite and forest floor on the nose, chewy dark fruit, silky and dusty tannin, nice grip.

2020 Chateau Beychevelle “Amiral de Beychevelle”: Opaque dark red, purple rim, saline, tar and graphite on the nose, silky dark fruit, chewy grip, good balance.

Pauillac

2018 Chateau Pichon Baron: Opaque black, purple rim, saline, smoke and ripe cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit, good balance.

2020 Chateau Pichon Baron: Opaque dark red, purple rim, graphite, dirty tar and crushed dark fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit with gun metal notes, good grip.

Zachys Taste of Oakville 2026

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Oakville is an AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Napa Valley which is probably the most famous wine region in the United States.

Planted with the Bordeaux varietals and home to high end, boutique wineries such as Opus One and Screaming Eagle just to name a couple.

Plenty of big, fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon coming of this region.

Zachys wine shop in Port Chester, New York held a Taste of Oakville ticketed wine tasting event which I attended and was able to sample about a dozen wines.

2023 Schradar Double Diamond Sauvignon Blanc: Clear light yellow, grassy toast on the nose, juicy and spicy fruit, good balance.

2024 Far Niente Chardonnay: Clear light gold, sweet white flowers on the nose, chewy finish with pear, oak and green apple notes, nice balance.

2024 Bevan Cellars Dry Stack Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc: Clear light yellow, cantaloup melon on the nose, juicy ending with nice acidity.

***

2021 Turnbull Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark purple, graphite, white pepper and crushed strawberries on the nose, tight and dense fruit with slate notes, firm and dusty grip at the end.

2021 Turnbull Oakville Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque medium brick, saline and pickle juice on the nose, chewy red fruit, firm grip with sour cherry notes on the finish.

2021 Rudd Samantha’s Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark red, sour cherry and pickle juice on the nose, dense ripe fruit, firm tannin, chewy finish.

2022 Rudd Crossroads Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque medium red, roast chocolate on the nose, chewy medium red fruit, nice grip.

2022 PlumpJack Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: Clear medium purple, sour ripe red fruit with some petroleum on the nose, chewy dark chocolate fruit with dark cherry notes, chewy finish, good balance.

2022 Detert Family Vineyards Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark red, saline and red graphite on the nose, tight red fruit with roast nuts and toasty chocolate notes, crisp acidity.

2023 Dominus Estate Napanook: Clear medium purple, graphite and stinky red cherry on the nose, dense red fruit with saline notes, dusty grip with dark chocolate and pickle juice notes on the good grip.

2023 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque medium red, slate, warm plum and fresh rosemary on the nose, chewy and dense red fruit, moderate tannin and acidity.

2023 Bevan Cellars EE Red: Opaque dark red, purple rim, plum, graphite and roast chocolate on the nose, tight dense red fruit with dark cherry notes and a good grip at the end.

2023 Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of dark chocolate, chewy and chunky balanced fruit with roast nut notes on the finish.

2023 Patria The Monarch Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark red, graphite and saline on the nose, dense and chewy black fruit, nice balance.

2023 Patria Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque dark red, sour ripe fruit, and roast nuts on the nose, dense red fruit with cassis notes, nice acidity.

2024 Silver Ghost Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: Opaque medium red, crushed rocks on the nose, bright red fruit, firm acidity.

La Paulée Verticals Burgundy Tasting NYC 2026

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La Paulée was a traditional end of harvest festival that began in the Burgundy region of Meursault, France.

That tradition was brought to New York City by Sommelier Daniel Johnnes in 2000. The event this year was held from March 25-28.

It was a series of expensive wine dinners and a couple of walk around tastings. The Grand Tasting which featured white and red wines from the current vintage, and the Vintage Tasting which showcased, not surprisingly, wines with some age to them.

On March 27th I attended the Vintage tasting which was held at the Sky Loft event space at 50 Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan.

For some strange reason, this tasting always begins at 10 AM. I’m not sure if that’s a La Paulée tradition but that’s normally a bit early in the morning for me to begin drinking but on the other hand, it is Burgundy and the crowd didn’t seem to mind the chance to taste some of the most famous wines in the world.

This tasting was the third in my triad of Burgundy tastings, and the last was the best. It was an amazing collection of vintage red and white Burgundy, I spent most of my time with the reds.

2013 Domaine Alex Moreau Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gain: Medium gold, oily tropical fruit notes on the nose, juicy with kiwi notes, nice grip and balance.

2015 Domaine Francois Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre: Light gold with a greenish tint, spicy white flowers on the nose, juicy and floral, nice grip.

***

1996 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes: Clear light brick, closed nose of white pepper and petroleum, chewy ripe fruit, dusty tannin.

1996 Domaine Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenonts: Clear light brick, chocolate cherry and a touch of barnyard on the nose, dusty and dirty fruit with tart notes on the finish.

2005 Domaine Trapet Pere & Fils Chambertin Grand Cru en magnum: Clear light brick, crushed sweet cherry and smoke on the nose, juicy red fruit ending with firm tannin.

2012 Domaine des Hospices de Beaune Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru “Cuvee Madeleine Collignon”: Clear light brick, sweet tar, graphite and barnyard on the nose, silky fruit ending with firm tannin.

2014 Domaine des Hospices de Beaune Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru “Cuvee Madeleine Collignon”: Clear medium brick, sweet ripe fruit and toast on the nose, chewy and juicy fruit, chewy tannin with tart acidity.

2014 Domaine Douroche Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Estournelles Saint Jacques: Clear light brick, dusty chocolate on nose, silky fruit with slate notes, nice balance.

2015 Chateau de la Tour Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes: Clear dark brick, dusty sweet chocolate on the nose, chewy dusty fruit ending with dusty and firm tannin.

2016 Domiane Arlaud Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combettes: Clear medium purple, toasty red cherry with a touch of barnyard on the nose, juicy red fruit, nice grip with rosemary notes on the long finish.

2016 Domaine Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenots: Clear medium brick, barnyard on the nose, chewy dark fruit, chewy tannin, good grip.

2016 Domaine Didier Fornerol Cote de Nuits Villages “La Rue des Foins”: Clear light purple, stinky barnyard on the nose, juicy red fruit, nice grip.

2017 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes: Opaque medium purple, closed nose of roast meat, juicy and dusty red fruit ending with firm, chewy tannin.

2017 Bouchard & Fils Corton Grand Cru “Les Corton”: Clear light purple, tar and barnyard on the nose, juicy, tarry fruit with milk chocolate notes, great balance, long finish.

2018 Domaine d’Eugenie Clos Vougeot Grand Cru: Clear light purple, roasted meat on the nose, juicy fruit with tree bark notes on the finish, firm tannin.

2018 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes: Clear medium brick, sweet cherry, barnyard, tar, roast nuts and graphite on the nose, chewy black fruit, crunchy tannin, nice grip.

2018 Domaine Didier Fornerol Cote de Nuits Villages “La Rue des Foins”: Clear light purple, pencil shavings and sweet spice on the nose, juicy fruit with dark chocolate notes, firm tannin.

2019 Bouchard & Fils Corton Grand Cru “Les Corton”: Clear light purple, graphite and barnyard on the nose, juicy with milk chocolate notes, nice grip, long finish.

2019 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes: Clear medium brick, closed nose of red leather and graphite, chewy with cooked fruit notes, chewy finish, nice balance.

Wildman French Portfolio Tasting NYC 2026

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Fredrick Wildman & Sons is a well-established importer/distributor of fine wines and spirits in the New York City area.

They have a large portfolio. Twice a year, in the Spring and in the Autumn, they and the other distributors hold tastings of the wines and spirits in their portfolios for members of the trade.

Since Wildman has a large portfolio, they have separate tastings for the various categories of wines and spirits.

On March 26th they held their French portfolio tasting. It was held at Manuela restaurant located on 130 Prince Street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.

They were showcasing the current release wines which for the most part was the 2023 vintage.

This tasting was the second in my trio of really excellent Burgundy tastings.

2023 Olivier Laflaive Batard Montrachet Grand Cru: Light gold, sweet green herbs on the nose, juicy sweet fruit, nice grip.

2023 Domaine Antonin Guyon Meursault Charmes 1er Cru “Les Charmes Dessus”: Light gold, floral green herbs on the nose, juicy with tropical fruit notes, good acidity.

***

2021 Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux Monopole: Clear light purple, barnyard on the nose, silky red fruit, chewy with leather notes, great balance, long finish with chocolate notes.

2023 Lignier Michelot Chambolle Musigny Vieilles Vignes: Clear medium purple, toasty closed nose, silky red fruit, chewy finish, good balance.

2023 Lignier Michelot Morey Saint Denis “En la Rue de Vergy”: Clear medium purple, crushed red berries with some petroleum on the nose, juicy with chocolate notes, good grip.

2023 Lignier Micholet Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru “Les Faconnieres”: Clear medium purple, saline and white pepper on the nose, chewy, silky fruit with good acidity and a long finish.

2023 Lignier Micholet Gevrey Chambertin Cuvee Bertin: Clear medium purple, toasty, crushed red berries on the nose, chewy with slate notes ending with silky tannin.

2023 Domaine Humbert Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes: Clear medium red, tar, graphite and barnyard on the nose, silky and juicy red fruit, moderate tannin and acidity, a little light on the finish, easy drinking.

2023 Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Combettes: Clear medium purple, closed nose of roast meat, chewy and silky black fruit with graphite notes, great grip and finish.

2024 Meo Camuzet Nuit Saint George 1er Cru: Clear medium purple, roast nuts and barnyard on the nose, silky, juicy and chewy red fruit, great length and balance.

***

2021 Lignier Micholet Clos de la Roche Grand Cru: Clear medium purple, closed nose of roast nuts, chewy, dense red fruit with slate notes, chewy and firm tannin, good acidity.

2023 Domaine Humbert Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru: Opaque medium red, smoke and crushed stone on the nose, chewy dark fruit with smoke notes, good acidity and balance.

2023 Domaine Antonin Guyon Corton Bressandes Grand Cru: Clear medium purple, sweet red leather on the nose, chewy and dusty fruit ending with firm tannin.

2023 Domaine Jacques Prieur Corton Bressandes Grand Cru: Clear medium purple, closed nose of crushed rocks and some petroleum, juicy black fruit with dark chocolate and graphite notes, good grip.

2023 Meo Camuzet Echezeaux Rouges du Bas Grand Cru: Clear light purple, sweet tar and dark chocolate on the nose, silky red fruit with slate notes, nice balance.

2023 Meo Camuzet Clos Vougeot Pres le Ceillier Grand Cru: Clear medium purple, sweet tar on the nose, juicy and chewy black fruit ending with chewy and dusty tannin, long finish.

Olé & Obrigado White Wine Tasting

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Olé & Obrigado is one of the many importers/distributors that service the Hospitality industry in the New York City area.

Their original portfolio focused on wines from the Iberian Peninsula. Last year they acquired a Burgundy portfolio and last October, held a tasting of the new wines in their portfolio that they had acquired.

On March 10th they held a white wine tasting. I assumed that meant the Burgundy wines as well, so I attend the tasting to revisit the wines I had tasted earlier and to taste wines that were not at the October tasting. As a bonus, they also had some red Burgundy to sample.

The event was held at Manhatta restaurant which is perched 60 floors up at 28 Liberty Avenue in lower Manhattan, a tasting with a million-dollar view of lower Manhattan.

This tasting was the first in what was to be a couple of months of several trade and non trade Burgundy tastings.

White

2022 Domaine Thibert Saint Veran Champ Rond: Clear light gold, greenish tint, sweet and spicy tropical fruit on the nose, juicy with roast nut notes, nice acidity.

2022 Domaine Thibert Poully-Fusse Heritage: Clear light gold, greenish tint, ripe white flowers on the nose, moderate fruit with white flower and pineapple notes, ending with firm acidity.

2023 Domaine Albert Grivault Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres: Clear light gold with a greenish tint, ripe flowers and pineapple on the nose, tight with tropical fruit notes, nice acidity.

2023 Domaine Albert Grivault Meursault 1er Clos Perrieres: Clear light gold with a greenish tint, toasty pineapple on the nose, juicy with cinnamon notes, chewy finish, nice acidity.

2023 Domaine Barat Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Millieu: Medium gold, stinky sweet white flowers on the nose, chewy with herb notes, nice balance.

2023 Domaine Lamy Pillot St Alban 1er Cru Les Combes: Clear light gold, green tints, green herbs and tropical fruit on the nose, juicy, ending with lime notes.

2023 Domaine Maillard Corton Blanc Grand Cru: Light gold with a greenish tint, sweet toasty green herbs on the nose, tight fruit with a tight finish.

2023 Domaine Ravaut Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru: Light gold with a greenish tint, closed nose of sweet herbs, tight and dusty fruit with green stem and herb notes, tight finish with lime notes.

Red

2019 Domaine Vincent Ravaut Ladoix 1er Cru Basses Mourottes Rouge: Clear medium brick, roast meat and cooked vegetable on the nose, chewy red fruit ending with crisp tannin and acidity.

2022 Coquard Loison Fleurot Echezeaux: Clear medium purple, warm, crushed black fruit and saline notes on the nose, chewy red fruit, firm tannin and crisp acidity.

2022 Domaine Maillard Pommard La Chaniere: Clear light purple, crushed red fruit and dirty chocolate on the nose, juicy red fruit, firm acidity.

2023 Domaine Lamy Pillot Chassagne Montrachet Champs de Morgeot Rouge: Clear light purple, dusty graphite on the nose, chewy red fruit with plum notes with a nice grip on the balanced finish.

2023 Domaine Lamy Pillot St Aubin Les Argilles: Clear light purple, green herbs on the nose, chewy red leather fruit, chewy long finish, good balance.

2023 Domaine Maillard Beaune 1er Cru Greves: Clear light purple, tar, slate and graphite on the nose, chewy black leather fruit, good grip.

2023 Domaine Vincent Ravaut Aloxe Corton 1er Cru: Clear light purple, graphite and cooked plums on the nose, chewy with tar and dark chocolate notes, good grip.

Zachys Women in Wine Tasting

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

I took another trip up to Port Chester, New York to attend another one of Zachys curated wine tastings.

Zachys is a fine wine shop and auction house founded in 1944, they host several wine tastings throughout the year at their store in Port Chester.

This event was a tasting “honoring the trailblazing women who craft exceptional wines, run renowned chateaux, and manage vineyards around the world”.

At the event 35+ wines were poured from the United States, Italy and Argentina.

White

2023 Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills): Clear light gold, sweet floral notes on the nose, juicy with kiwi and green herbs on the finish, moderate tannin and acidity.

2023 Grgich Hills Estate Fume Blanc (Napa Valley): Clear light yellow with green tints, big funky earth notes on the nose, juicy with stone notes, nice grip.

2023 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc (Burgundy): Clear light gold, tropical fruit and green herbs on the nose, tight with a nice mouthfeel ending with a nice balance.

Red

2016 Fattoria Le Pupille Syrah “Le Pupille” (Tuscany): Opaque dark red, brick rim, sweet tar, cooked fruit and crushed black berry on the nose, chewy and chunky fruit with a chewy dark chocolate finish, dusty balance.

2020 Tolani Tenuta Montbello “Picconero” (Tuscany): Dark purple, ripe red fruit, gun metal and chocolate on the nose, chewy black fruit with slate notes, firm tannin.

2021 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Opaque medium purple, stone, graphite and crushed black fruit on the nose, dense and chewy black fruit, chunky and dusty tannin, nice grip.

2022 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy): Clear light purple, perfume of barnyard, dirty tar, chewy black fruit with barnyard notes on the finish, nice grip.

2022 Rudd Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville): Clear medium brick, crushed red leather and pickle juice on the nose, chewy black fruit and tannin, nice grip with a long, dusty finish.

2022 Antinori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Badia a Passignano” (Tuscany): Clear light brick, crushed rocks, tar and tree bark on the nose, chewy fruit with tar notes, nice acidity.

2023 Domain Drouhin Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills): Clear light purple, dusty tar and cloves on the nose, juicy with chocolate and leather notes, nice grip.

2023 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc (Burgundy): Clear light gold, tropical fruit with green herbs on the nose, tight with a nice mouthfeel ending with a nice balance.

2023 Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): Clear light purple, tar and green herbs on the nose, juicy red fruit with cola notes, nice balance

2023 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel “Old Vines” (California): Clear medium purple, tar, saline and cigarette smoke on the nose, chewy and juicy dark chocolate fruit with tar notes and ending with good acidity.

2023 Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (Napa Valley): Opaque dark red, purple rim, perfume of violets and ripe black fruit, tight with firm tannin.

2024 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee (Sonoma Coast): Clear light purple, sweet strawberry on the nose, juicy red berry fruit, nice grip.