Blog

Q: What are the key points to consider when gifting a fine wine?
A: Unless you are buying for a savvy collector, in which case their specific tastes and the contents of their cellar are the most important, I think you want something that comes in a beautiful collector’s case or box. This adds to the excitement when opening it and gives the recipients something to showcase even after the bottle is consumed.

Q: What is your dream wine for the holidays?
A: Musigny (ideally Mugnier post-2000) or Richebourg – (ideally Leroy).

Q: What is a good wine for large parties that impresses but doesn’t break the bank?
A: It can be hard to impress at large parties as people are more focused on the party aspect than the wine aspect. I think the best you can do is pop something with a “wow” factor that’s pop and pour ready so I would always recommend Champagne. Dom Perignon is a great place to start!

Q: Which Champagne will you be popping on New Year’s Eve?
A: Krug 2008

Q: If I’m looking for a great Burgundy to buy as a gift for a collector who just started their collection – what would you recommend?
A: The 2002 vintage is what made me fall in love with Burgundy and what I continue to revisit whenever I can. I think the reds from good producers are consistent crowd pleasers and generous and beautiful. If the collector is looking for wines to put away, I would look for new releases from any first or second tier producers that you can find. The price is only going up!

Q: What was your “Aha!” bottle?
A: There were two that sealed the deal for me, and both were 1982s - a Bartolo Mascarello and Billecart Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon. After those 2, I was hooked.

Q: What’s your favorite food pairing for the holiday season?
A: I open Amarone or Valpolicella once a year on Thanksgiving and it is always either Dal Forno or Quintarelli. I think those wines pair great with traditional Thanksgiving and winter-holiday fare.