It’s finally that time of year when the flowers start to blossom, and the temperature outside is increasing every day. I’m sure many people start to think about the grass cutting they’ll have to do and the gardens they’re going to plant, but all I can think about is what I will stock my wine fridge with!
I love searching our vast inventory, seeing the new purchases that we’ve made and trying to figure out what wines to stock for the new seasons. I usually go with four or five selections for the spring/summer season, and I tend to go with all whites. I also like to have a Rose on hand as well. Listed below are my selections with my comments for each. Hope you enjoy!
2007 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne / 93 BH / $69.99 btl: The benchmark producer of Corton Charlemagne. This is Grand Cru juice at Premier Cru pricing. Green fruit , smoke, flint and crushed rocks on the nose. Rich and round in the mouth. It has a freshness and ripeness to it that can only be found in Corton Charlemagne.
2011 Domaine Claude Riffault Sancerre les Boucauds / 91 WS / $23.99 btl: This wine is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is hand-harvested and aged in stainless steel tanks, produced from 30-40 year old vines. On the nose, the wine reveals white fleshed fruits and citrus. Nice minerality flows to a mouth searing, crisp finish. I serve this with all of my shellfish and fish dishes.
2009 Billaud Simon Chablis Mont de Milieu / 93 RP / $34.99 btl: Billaud-Simon is always one of my favorite sources for pure, minerally, elegant Chablis. It has a refreshing nose of white peach, mint and hints of lemon. Medium bodied palate with zesty citrus, herbs and a nice touch of richness and minerality. Linear and precise finish.
2010 Ramey Chardonnay Russian River Valley / 92 RP / $27.99 btl: Ramey is always at the top of my list for premier Cali Chardonnay producers. David Ramey’s wines from the 2010 vintage are some of the best I’ve tasted in recent memory. On the nose is tropical fruit, buttered citrus and crushed rock. This is a nice, medium bodied wine to serve poolside.
2012 Miraval Rose / 90 WS / $22.95 btl: This is the hot new Rose for the season. A collaboration between Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and the Perrin family, this wine will give Domaine Ott a run for its money. I can see it being served all over the Hamptons this summer. On the nose, you’ll notice plush strawberry fruit and floral notes. It has nice acidity and a round, long finish.
These are the selections I like to enjoy for the season, but we have plenty of other choices here at Sokolin if you don’t see what you’re looking for. With Memorial Day right around the corner, I recommend contacting your wine consultant today who will assist you in handpicking your own selections.
Enjoy your summer!