Top shelf, best self
Under normal circumstances there is no reason to spend big bucks on a bottle of wine. But every once in a while we like to put forward some of our favorite splurge-worthy bottles because we want you to understand how special they are.
Occasionally we’re lucky enough to open up a wine from the top shelf and we are seldom let down by the feeling we get after taking our first sip. There are certain wines that just make you feel different.
Would you spend a couple hundred dollars on a night out with friends? Do you mind spending on a weekend getaway? These are the experiences we equate with opening bottles like these.
Domaine De La Cote, La Côte Pinot Noir 2020
Region: Sta. Rita Hills AVA - California
Grape: Pinot Noir
It’s no secret that we’re fans of Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman. But you might not know that much about their wines. Located in the Santa Rita Hills appellation which hugs the California coastline just north of Santa Barbara, their vineyards are idea for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Just seven miles from the coast, their La Côte vineyard is nine and a half acres comprised of eons old seabeds full of shale and silex soils. Along with densely planted vines, Raj and Sashi created a recipe for powerful wines of real substance.
The 2020 vintage is ripe but balanced. Each sip is a medley of blooming roses, black plums, and fresh thyme. This wine is concentrated with fine, ascending tannins and must be appreciated by serious lovers of Pinot Noir.
Nicolas Joly, Savennières, Coulée de Serrant 2019
Region: Savennières-Coulée de Serrant AOP - Loire Valley, France
Grape: Chenin Blanc
If there’s one grape we’ve fallen even more in love with this year it’s Chenin Blanc. It’s quite possibly the most versatile varietal out there but also tricky to get right. But there’s no one more trustworthy in the world of Chenin that Nicolas Joly.
Along with being a master of Chenin he has also been a pioneer in the world of biodynamic production. Allowing his vineyards to exist as living organisms to has led to his prolific library of successful vintages.
Savennières-Coulée de Serrant is a single vineyard appellation that belongs to the Joly family and certainly the most renown when it comes to Loire Valley Chenin.
The 2019 vintage is fiercely energetic. It certainly deserves a decant, you want those tightly wound layers of acid and fruit to unravel. When you do you’re left with an unforgettable drinking experience. We always say we love wine that tastes like rocks, which this certainly is, but beneath the rocks are notes of honeysuckle, tart nectarine, and sea salt. Simply put, this wine is gorgeous.
Marchesi Antinori, Solaia 2018
Region: IGT Toscana - Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Sangiovese (20%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
Marchesi Antinori is certainly one of the most impactful producers of the last fifty years. As one of the leading producers of Super Tuscans we have them to thank for the robust style of international blends that come only from Tuscany.
If you don’t know, Super Tuscan, is the term that is used when referring to certain styles of Tuscan reds made not only from Sangiovese, but from non-Italian varietals. And although these wines are produced in and around Chianti, they will never be labelled as such. Made within the secondary tier of regulated Italian denominations, IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), this category of wines is known either by their producer or, in this case, by its vineyard.
The 2019 vintage of Solaia is chock full of black currants, figs, and clove. This wine is brawny and incredibly warming. Another bottle that deserves to swirl around in a decanter, you’ll notice more fruit as you move along. While its tannins are firm (thanks Cabernet Sauvignon) they relax with time and air. The wine is opulent and its finish is long-lasting and memorable.
