GABRIELLE PALAY'S 7 ESSENTIAL WINES
GABRIELLE PALAY IS A VETERAN OF THE WINE BUSINESS WHO STARTED DRINKING AT AN EARLY AGE. SHE CURRENTLY WORKS AT THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED WILSON DANIELS WHOLESALE IN NEW YORK CITY. SHE IS ALSO MY OLDEST AND CLOSEST FRIEND, AND NOT ONLY AM I LUCKY TO HAVE HER IN MY LIFE AS SUCH, I AM ALSO THE BENEFICIARY OF HER INCREDIBLE KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THINGS WINE AND SPIRITS. HERE ARE HER SUGGESTIONS FOR 7 WINES (ACTUALLY 6 WINES, 1 SPIRIT), WORTH SPLURGING ON NOW IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.
6 WINES ...
Robert Craig ‘Affinity’ 2013 (Napa Valley, California), $70 / bottle
This Bordeaux-inspired wine is a blend of the Left Bank Five (predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec). The Cabernet Sauvignon from this hillside property is unusually racy, and mineral laden, even for a boulder strewn, Napa Valley vineyard. The addition of the other four Bordeaux varieties is necessary for the depth, dimension and layers that are present in the wine each vintage; Petit Verdot for color, Malbec for weight, Cabernet Franc for structure and Merlot for luxurious mouthfeel. Plus, Elton Slone, GM and a partner of "The Craig," is a good friend and one of the funniest people I know. He's also offering an exclusive discount to Select 7 readers! Order 3 bottles or more and enter the code Select7 at checkout to receive 10% off. Click here to purchase.
Bergström ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2013 (Willamette Valley, Oregon), $44.95 / bottle
Josh Bergström returned to Oregon from Burgundy in 1999 with a fiancée and a post-graduate degree in Viticulture and Enology. Almost twenty years later, Josh is making award-winning, ultra-premium wines from the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve is a blend of his four estate vineyards; Bergström, Pre du Col, Gregory Ranch and Silice; and shows off bright fruit notes enhanced by the spice and earth character of the Willamette Valley. Try his ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay for an exceptional expression of Chardonnay. Click here to purchase.
The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Napa Valley, California), $139.95 / bottle
For those who have always been a fan of Harlan Estate and BOND, here’s something a little gentler on the wallet. From Bill Harlan’s son, Will, a Cabernet made from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory. Only the second official vintage of The Mascot, the 2009 offers notes of dark fruit and spice. It’s silky and elegant with great tannic structure. This Cabernet is perfect to open now, or lay it down and drink it for years to come. Click here to purchase.
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2012 (North Coast, California), $31.95 / bottle
This vintage, 100% Chardonnay sparkler is made by one of the most iconic domestic wineries. Established in the mid-1800’s, their estate in Napa is a registered historical landmark with caves that are reminiscent of what you find in Champagne. You can count on a vibrant, fruitful and crisp profile from this bottle of bubbles. Plus, Schramsberg has been served at official State functions under every U.S. President since the 1970’s. If it’s good enough for the leader of the free world, it’s good enough for you! Click here to purchase.
Macari ‘Dos Aguas’ 2010 (Long Island, New York), $31.99 / bottle
The Macari Family has owned this 500-acre waterfront estate in Mattituck, NY on the North Fork of Long Island for over 50 years. The 2010 ‘Dos Aguas’ which represents the two waters that surround the vineyard, the Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound, is a blend of 81% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cab Franc. The recently released 2010 vintage boasts dark fruit flavors and great tannic structure. Perfect for any dinner party and to show those out-of-town relatives what New York is all about! Click here to purchase.
Hanzell Chardonnay 2012 (Sonoma, California), $67.99 / bottle
Hanzell has grown, produced and bottled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their estate-grown fruit since 1961. The iconic winery and historic property is tucked into the steep hillside of the Sonoma Mayacamas mountain range. Interesting fact: Hanzell was the first California winery to use exclusively French oak for aging wines, giving their wines a more subtle oak character. This tasty white shows great concentration and vibrant structure. California Chardonnay drinkers and white Burgundy lovers alike will enjoy this wine. Click here to purchase.
AND ONE SPIRIT ...
Coppersea Raw Rye (Hudson Valley, New York) $59.99 / bottle
Everyone knows that small-batch craft spirits is what the kids are talking about these days. This Raw Rye was the first release from Coppersea Distilling. It’s a premier unaged whisky with a depth of character and unexpected richness. Designed to be enjoyed unaged (don't be fooled, this is not moonshine or white dog) this raw rye shows off notes of honey, cucumber black and white pepper with floral undertones. A great gift for your favorite spirits geek. Click here to purchase.
