High-Altitude Bordeaux Blends from South America

For those who appreciate the structure, complexity, and age-worthiness of Bordeaux but are seeking exceptional value and a unique New World perspective on classic varieties, the world of South American Bordeaux-inspired blends is a must-explore category. These wines, primarily from the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina and the Andean foothills of Chile, offer a compelling alternative viewpoint that combines the structured finesse of Bordeaux with the concentrated, pure fruit of the New World. The resulting wines offer approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, and layers of flavor that can easily rival their French counterparts.

Napa Valley: A Millionaire’s Playground? Or Something for Everyone?

On a visit to Napa you’ll also find a thriving agricultural community, young winemakers from all over the globe working in a melting pot of vinous cultures. There are epic food trucks lining Soscol Rd with Google Stars in place of Michelin ones. There are old-school, multigenerational farming families working tirelessly, like their grandparents before them, to eke out a living from this special land.

A Bordeaux Legend Takes on Napa: Alfred Tesseron's Pym Rae

This week, staff members in all three stores were treated to a special winemaker tasting and training with Alfred Tesseron, the man behind the wonderful Pontet Canet estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux, and from the Tesseron family in Cognac. The occasion for his visit was to introduce us to his brand-new project on the other end of the winemaking world—our end of the winemaking world, in fact—Napa Valley. Tesseron is releasing the very first vintage of his Napa wine called Pym Rae, and it is as exceptional as one might expect from this talented, venerated winemaker.

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