We might be professionals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play favorites. Check out these Summer 2024 Staff Picks: the wines our world-class team is loving RIGHT NOW. They’re all delicious, and they’re all in stock and ready to ship!
Andrew’s Selections
Chief Operating Officer
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne
James Bond always orders a Martini shaken and not stirred, but did you know that anytime he orders Champagne, he always orders Bollinger? The classic, elegant balance of this house makes them a crowd-pleaser, and also makes you feel like a spy.
2018 Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
One of my favorite wine-industry memories is bombing up the incredibly steep slopes at Immortal estates, looking at these incredible bunches hitting véraison on a hot summer day. Words can’t describe how special and unique this property is, and the bottles that come from there do them justice!
Eduardo’s Selections
VP of Wine
Maurice Grumier O ma Vallee Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne
No better way to greet guests at your home or start a dinner, sharp, mouthwatering and delicious Champagne.
HEAVENSAKE Junmai Daiginjo Yamaguchi
This is a striking Sake that stands up for any occasion, from Caviar to Pizza Margherita and everything in between.
Joe’s Selections
Chief Executive Officer
2018 M. Brugnon Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne
Brugnon always holds a special place in my heart since discovering it on a trip back in 2018. Their Brut is a mainstay at my house but every time they release a vintage Champagne, I make sure to pick up a case. You can taste the quality of the premier cru sites and the layers of complexity. The ’18 is really kickin and shows why grower Champagne can produce such amazing value.
2021 La Pelle Wines Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Block X Santa Maria Valley
When people describe the characteristics of their favorite red wines, I always find them describing Syrah. Dark fruits, peppercorns, cured meats, and violets seem to always pop into their vocabulary. I’m a huge fan of all things Syrah, especially from Bien Nacido, and combine that with Maayan’s [Koschitzky] genius hands and you really have something special.
Kate’s Selections
Director of Client Services
2022 Domaine Huet Le Mont Demi-Sec Vouvray
Huet is one of my favorite Vouvray producers. The demi-sec’s tension between sweetness and acidity is electrifying and makes a great foil for a cheese course.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
This is my go-to celebratory Champagne and my favorite rose Champagne–it’s just so good.
Laura’s Selections
VP of Wine
2021 La Pelle Wines Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Block X Santa Maria Valley
Even in warm months, I love a great red, as long as it has freshness. This Syrah packs a punch of dark red fruit, cracked pepper and dried herbs while finishing bright and lively. Perfect for those summer nights with meat on the grill and a slight chill in the air.
2023 Pietradolce Etna Bianco Sicily
Reminiscent of the salty, seaside air of summer, the minerally white wine is like a trip to the beach in a bottle. A zesty citrus through-line makes it so good with steamed shellfish- best eaten with hands.
Pete’s Selections
Director of Content
2019 Michel Rolland MR Napa Valley
My folks asked me to pick out a wine gift for a family friend, a golf-loving steak-and-Cabernet man who knows the good stuff but rarely ventures off the beaten path. The 2019 MR was a no-brainer. A rich, intricate 97pt Napa Cab from TWO 100-point winemakers, one of whose fingerprints are on half the blue-chip Cabs in Napa Valley? Seriously, you can’t go wrong.
2023 Domaine Vigneret Rosé Bandol
My revelatory sip of rosé was from Bandol—which makes me like 90% of rosé lovers out there, since Bandol has virtually no peers when it comes to pink-wine production. The low end of Bandol wines usually command about $30. At the top, Tempier and Ott fetch nearly $60. At our price, the Vigneret is a steal, and perfect for the end of summer and early fall.
