10 Wines – Meditation
La Clarté de Haute Brion, Graves, 2013, $99
A beguiling sémillon-based wine that showcases finely wrought aromas of raw honey and ripe melon within a with a firm yet essentially transparent structure. Like a bed of wildflowers within the borders of a formal garden.
Hatzidakis, Santorini, 2014, $21
A benchmark Assyritko. Generous acidity creates a stunning frame for the this full-bodied wine's concentrated citrus and floral flavors.
Château Thivin, Côte de Brouilly, 2013, $24
Grown on the volcanic blue stone soils of Mont Brouilly, wild cherries, fresh strawberries, white pepper and a touch of garrigue dominate the nose of this delicious mouthwatering wine with a long drying finish.
Clos Cibonne, Rosé Tradition, Côtes de Provence, 2013, $31
Imagine the scent of sea air wafting over wild raspberries and Provencal herbs, and you can begin to conjure sipping this iconic rosé made from 90% tibourne, a prized local variety cultivated in vineyards along the coast.
La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva, 2004, $34
A full-bodied tempranillo garnacha blend with notes of plums, blackberries and flint. Its weight is offset by generous acidity and firm tannins. Ample barrel and bottle aging produce a wine that is integrated and showing maturity upon release.
Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre, 2013, $35
Classic Sancerre. 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown in a biodynamic vineyard with flint and chalk soils. Focused, balanced and lively with graceful citrus and stony notes, this wine holds your attention without raising its voice.
Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2002, $35
Old-vine cabernet franc grown in chalk and limestone soils, distinguished by dark fruit flavors, pine forest aromas, soft tannins, complexity, delicacy and remarkable persistence.
Domaine Marquis d’Angerville, Meursault Santenots, 2012, $121
Meursault from a marl vineyard along the commune's border with Volnay. Rich and nutty with a fruity bouquet and exceptionally long length, this deeply satisfying wine is at once voluptuous and pensive.
Pierre Péters, Champagne, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $60
A pale gold Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay marked by tiny bubbles, rich texture and aromas of almonds, quince and fresh apples. This effervescent fine wine drinks as if it were a sparkling Grand Cru Chablis.
Forman, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1984, $70
When the natural gifts of the Napa Valley are combined with careful farming, reverence for traditional Bordeaux, and three decades in the cellar, there lays the potential for magic.