Wine Savvy NYC

11/30/2021

"I'm not drinking any f*cking Merlot!"

Miles delivered this iconic line in the 2004 film "Sideways".
If you have not seen the movie, it's a must (a pun on that for all my oenophiles). Seriously, go to Youtube for this scene.

Sadly, that one line pretty much decimated sales of Merlot in the United States for a period of time.

But Merlot deserves nothing but love, y'all. Why? Because it is THE grape used in some of the most renowned (not to mention expensive) wines on the planet...Looking at you, right bank, Bordeaux, *cough*.

Tonight's wine just reinforced that Chilean wines are beyond brilliant. I have been tasting Merlots from different parts of Chile for a few years. And guess what? This one truly caught my attention. Not surprising because Lapostolle knows a thing or two about winemaking; they are French in genesis but Chilean since planting there in the early 1900's.

Tonight's wine: Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot (2015)--retails about $20 from Chile's Colchagua Valley (I love Cabernet from this region too).

The acidity and tannins of this wine are balanced---perfect for heavy proteins and thick sauces.
Think of every black and red fruit you can imagine in a compote and you add a bit of licorice, leather and chocolate.
I am stunned by this wine. If you are a value seeker, you need to run, not walk to this beauty.
PS-- I don't sell wine or have any affiliations with producers/vineyards. This is just me buying wines and giving my honest feedback. Because when something is delicious, shouldn't you know about it?
Thank you, Chile 🇨🇱.I can't wait to visit you.

11/28/2021

Dear Chardonnay and non Chardonnay lovers alike…
This bottle of yumminess was enjoyed on Thanksgiving and needs to be on stand-by for holiday guests.
If you typically stay away from Chardonnay because you don't like oak, this wine is a great example of the incredible versatility of this grape (it reminded me so much of Chablis).
Have you experienced a cool climate Chardonnay? Russian River (in Sonoma Country, CA) is. a great place to start.
The wine's bright acidity is coupled with minerality, a diversion from the oak most of us associate with Chardonnay.
The freshness and zippiness is pure happiness. Think Meyer lemon, grapefruit, ginger, honey, melons and apricots.
Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay (2018) retails at about $30. A tremendous value.

11/26/2021

Felt like a good time for a re-post. Relevant as ever.

Well, it has been a hot minute. How is everyone doing? Are you sane? Losing it slowly? Already lost it? I am nodding with you. I hope wherever you are reading this you understand something: whoever you are or have become during this pandemic is not right or wrong, it’s just you, doing something yo...

11/22/2021

If you love a good Cabernet Sauvignon and are ready to "explore", this wine is a must try. Do I have your attention?

Portugal is undeniably an incredible country. It ranks among the most highly sought out places to live and visit.
It should come as no surprise that the wines of Portugal are serious and delicious (and we are not just talking about their very famous fortified wine, Port).

Tonight's wine: Vallado (2018) $18-$20 comes from the Douro is a blend of three grapes: Touriga Nacional (the star red grape of Portugal), Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz (aka Temprañillo).

Dark, intense, layered and structured, this wine is bold. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, its tannins can soften with time, making this the perfect wine to age.
In the glass, it is blackberries, plums, violets, and mint.
Pair it with heavier dishes, rich cream sauces and cheeses, or just enjoy it on its own.

But full disclosure: At 14% ABV, this wine will pack a punch so enjoy at home, not at that business dinner or company party!
Portugal Flag Saúde Portugal Flag

11/15/2021

Do you love white wine but could do without the oak?
May I present to you, your next grape affair...
She is a jewel of northern Italy.
Wine: Roero Arneis (2020) by Giovanni Almondo. ($15-$20).

Piemonte (most specifically Roero in this case) is the home of this unoaked, fruity goddess called Arneis (ahr NASE).

If I handed you a bowl with ripe pears, apples and apricots all drizzled in honey, that is this wine. It is bright, acidic, has a rich mouthfeel without the oak, and well, it just is kind of crushing it (pun intended).
Honestly, if the aroma in my glass were a perfume, I would bathe in it.
This wine pairs beautifully with cream sauces (think pasta) and also with one of my favorite herbs, tarragon.
Piemonte does it again.

11/12/2021

Happy Friday to my Wine Savvy drinkers. I can't wait to tell you about this beauty.
Montefalco Rosso (2016) by Arnaldo~Caprai.
This red wine was meant for cold weather and a fireplace. Winter is ON with this one!
In the approximately 700 miles of vineyard that is Italy, this wine comes from the region called Umbria (sits south of Florence and north of Rome). Three grapes comprise this harmonious blend: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% Merlot. It's like the combination of liveliness, structure, and finesse. These grapes play very well together.
While full-bodied, the finish is delightfully balanced. On the palate, it's a combination of red jam, plums, violets, smoke, cocoa powder and sage. I cannot get enough of this wine and at under $20, what are you waiting for?
Bon weekend, all!

04/23/2021

When you’re having so much fun, you forget to document throughout. Not good for my IG but good for my heart.
Thanks, Google for another incredible evening!!!!

My client requested all 3 wines come from women in some capacity, and the last two were women of color. Done and ✅.

Wines featured:
-Beira Extra Brut Rosé “3B” by Filipa Pato (Portugal)
-Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc, unwooded. Wellington, South Africa sourced and farmed by Denise Stubbs.
-Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon with the incredible (she and I are bffs in my head).

I’m vaccine #2 down, feeling great and ready for the weekend. I have a suspicion that many Tavel rosés will be finding their way into my glass.

What are you all drinking?

03/27/2021

From last night’s Aroma Wheel Class with American Yacht Club

03/27/2021

Spring was officially in the air last night as sipped and savored six delicious wines with the fantastic members of The American Yacht Club in Rye, NY American Yacht Club . Each member picked up boxes that included not only the wines, but small containers holding fruits, vegetables, cooking spices, chocolate, brioche, almonds, etc., to smell alongside the wines. The theme of the class was:
The Aroma Wheel.

Wines featured were:
Chandon Rosé (Napa, California)

Les Vignobles Gueissard Rosé (Provence, France)

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)

Brick & Mortar Chardonnay (Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino, California)

Cloudline Pinot Noir (Willamette, Valley, Oregon)

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)

Thank you to the AYC Members, a wonderful, engaged group with insightful questions and to James, Tiberius and Jasmine and Gary from the club who run a truly top-notch program.

Pajama pants and technology still going strong as we see the light at the end of this Covid tunnel.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! What are you drinking?

03/26/2021

A good bottle of wine is an expectation of a memory. This very special bottle was given to me ( it’s my birth year) and I could not wait to enjoy it. As I opened it and the cork crumbled, my heart sank. I knew then it had not been stored correctly and would be worse than vinegar.
I’ll keep saying it, please store your wines with quality cork to age like you would put newborn baby down for a nap. The wine must:
🍷Be stored on its side to keep the cork wet.
🍷Be stored in a cool and consistent temperature (I like about 53 degrees Fahrenheit).
🍷Be kept away from sunlight.
🍷Be kept away from vibration.
I’ll find another bottle of you, dear Jordan Vineyard & Winery . ❤️❤️❤️

11/29/2020

If you don't have an arsenal of sparkling wines on stand-by for the holidays, you're doing it wrong.
This bottle is almost empty.
I have zero regrets.

Crémant and Cap Classique have long been my go-to's as wonderful alternatives to Champagne (at a fraction of the cost), and I am happy to add this beauty to the list:
Schlumberger Grüner Veltliner Brut Klassik from Austria.
Anyone out there love Grüner as much as I do? It shines in this incredible bottle, made in the same method as Champagne.

Quick reminder: Sparkling wines are, in my opinion, the most food-friendly wines that exist. Having them on hand, especially delicious ones like this bottle, just makes life a little easier. Not sure about your 2020, but I am all for simplifying things.

The aromas and flavors of this wine? Like standing between a large green field and a fruit orchard. Classic white pepper and grassiness of the Grüner combines with racy acidity, green apples and pears. Very floral as well. This wine is the epitome of freshness. Have it with meats and cheeses, have it with your favorite spicy take-out, or have it all by yourself with Netflix and hopes for a better 2021.

What wine(s) will take you through the holidays?

A huge thank you to for introducing me to this exceptional wine!

11/20/2020

Thank you, Refinery29 and Olivia Harrison for allowing me to chime in on all things mulled wine!

Wine experts share their picks for the best wines to use in your mulled wine this season. Their recommendations will make preparing this holiday drink staple even more of a breeze.