This month, our auction block is brimming with exceptional lots from some of the most coveted producers in the world. Whether you're seeking investment-grade Bordeaux, rare Burgundian treasures, Cult classics from California, or the pillars of Champagne, our currently live lots present an incredible opportunity to add legendary bottles to your collection.
Read MoreI’ll be the first to admit—with all the tumult in the wine industry these days, it’s been a bit more than an uphill battle to restock our shelves. That said, I’m absolutely thrilled with some of our current selections, from everyday values to top collectibles. Here are a few finds that you won’t want to miss, and some of the stories behind them.
Read MoreI was fortunate enough to visit with Thomas Farge last year, and he took me through his St-Joseph holdings where we saw many of his new plantings. Since taking the winemaking mantle from his father, Guy, Thomas has grown the estate to about 20 hectares. Every vineyard has a stunning hillside view but some of the new vines overlook vistas of the valley below that any developer would be jealous of. We traipsed through some of his existing St-Joseph vines and marveled at the steep terraced slopes. Each time I got out of his truck, I had to consciously think about not stepping out over a ledge and tumbling to another terrace below.
Read MoreMy love affair with Rhône wines can't possibly be attributed to a single quality, yet the sheer versatility of this region, in terms of food pairing, stands unmatched in my mind. From elegant whites perfect for spring dishes, to incredibly versatile red blends (ideal companion for burger night, anyone?), to world-class rarities reserved for life's most special moments - this lineup genuinely offers something for everyone.
Read MoreOne of the categories that I love but does not get a lot of attention is the white wines of the Rhône Valley. I think there is so much to unpack here, it would take a few newsletter articles to do it all justice. I love that these wines do not fit the mold of the more famous white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc—and they are about as far away as you can get from wines like Riesling and Pinot Grigio. The Northern Rhône is home to Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne grapes. The mostly granitic and alluvial soils make for beautiful stone-fruited wines that can be both aromatically expressive, like Viognier, or heady and rich like Marsanne and Roussanne.
Read MoreHave you ever tried an Alpine Nebbiolo? Though you may associate Italy’s Piemonte region with Barolo and Barbaresco, it actually covers a large area expanding all the way to the Swiss border. Alto Piemonte is a wine region nestled along that border, in the most remote part of Piedmont. The most famous villages, just to name a few, are Boca, Lessona, Gattinara, Bramaterra, and Ghemme. You also find wine from the Coste delle Sesia Nebbiolo, a local “Langhe Nebbiolo”–style wine. Le Piane, located in Boca, is for me the best place to start discovering the beautiful Alto Piemonte. It is one of the most exciting wineries in this region, and I love the story behind it.
Read MoreOne of the best parts of my job is finding amazing new California wines to share with you. This lineup has a little bit of everything—crisp Sauvignon Blancs for sunny days, hidden-gem wineries making waves with small-lot wines, and even exclusive Napa library releases. I’m also especially excited about our upcoming tasting, where we’ll explore wines from California’s prehistoric seabeds. Whether you’re looking for an everyday favorite or a rare collectible, these picks are some of the most exciting bottles out there right now.
Read MoreVery few wines in Napa have even a fraction of the pedigree and quality you'll find in the wines from Ad Vivum. They are sourced exclusively from one of the best parcels in one of the most highly respected vineyards in Yountville and hand crafted by a winemaker with unbelievable experience and excellence. Ad Vivum is a small project from longtime veteran winemaker Chris Phelps. Chris gained a degree in viticulture and enology at UC Davis before heading to France to further his studies at the University of Bordeaux. After becoming friends with mentor and vigneron Christian Moueix, Chris worked at Château Petrus in Pomerol and several other Moueix properties in the region. Earning his trust and respect, Moueix then handpicked Chris to become the founding winemaker of his new venture in Napa Valley—Dominus.
Read MoreOn Tuesday evening, Lilia from K&L Redwood City and I were lucky enough to be invited to a dinner at the Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse by Naomi Smith, the director of sales for Laurent-Perrier in the U.S. It was a marvelous night with two of my favorite women in the wine business, and the fantastic seafood went perfectly with the elegant wines of Laurent-Perrier.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about the Iberian Peninsula is that there’s always something new to discover. After many years on my wine journey, I’m still finding new gems here—and it's my job to know them! Sometimes it’s an undiscovered region with centuries of grape-growing history, or a reimagined variety or style. I especially love discovering new grape varieties. With so many great wines out there, it's easy to overlook hidden gems, but today I’m here to share a few for you to explore on your own wine journey. From best buy Riojas, to under-the-radar Portuguese deals, and hard to come by collectibles, this selection has a little bit of something for everyone. Enjoy!
Read MoreLast night Cinnamon and I were treated to a once in a lifetime evening of sushi and Champagne with Jean Baptiste Lécaillon, the chef de cave of Champagne Louis Roederer. He invited us to Sushi Hashiri for a special meal paired with Roederer, including five vintages of Cristal, by chef Toshiaki and my long-time friend Yuri Shima. The wines, the food, and the pairings were unforgettable.
Read MoreWhen Barolo legend Angelo Gaja purchased Ca'Marcanda in 1996, Bolgheri was not yet the internationally recognized appellation it is today. However, Angelo had a vision: to bring his experience from Piedmont to Tuscany’s coastal terroir. Thirty years later, the exceptional Super Tuscan wines of Gaja have become the gold standard by which the region is measured.
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