The only criticism we have is that many of the best American wines are so expensive that most people can't afford to buy them, but if you look at their overall quality, they are easily comparable to or better than the best in the world. K Vintners has two wines in the top 10 in the U.S. In the United States, which highlights its unique ability to produce excellent wines at real prices. Some other wineries also have two wines on the list below, but in general I only allowed one wine per winery on this year's list.
Basically, House of Smith is all about large vineyards, according to Leighton. Everything we do with winemaking is to honor where it comes from. Content with a red star requires a PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP to access. SUBSCRIBE NOW.
When it comes to red wine, the balance is non-negotiable for Alexandra Neverov, sommelier at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, New York. Few wines can match the combination of elegance, richness and aging capacity that Gaja Barbaresco reliably offers. Often referred to as Baby Grange, the Bin 389 is offered at a more affordable price than the Grange, making it a recognizable product for the public, and can be enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. For far too long, Portugal was thought to be little more than where port wine came from, but consumers are finally discovering that the country produces excellent red wines that are often available at bargain prices.
I spent a day in March in the Walla Walla, Washington, area with Brennon Leighton, the vice president of winemaking and vineyards at House of Smith, which makes K Vintners, and the rocker has his heart and feet deeply rooted in the Washington state wine world, and he often recognizes that great wines don't have to cost a fortune. Almost all wines age better if kept away from light and heat, so if you don't have a wine fridge, a dark, quiet corner of your closet is probably the ideal place. These complex wines, inspired by the terroir, are cultivated in the region's volcanic soils, laden with ash, which give the juice an undeniable mineral quality. Italy is home to some truly legendary red wines, from Brunello from Tuscany to Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont and Amarone from Veneto. Although at the beginning of his career he was considered controversial, the most recent releases of Barbaresco, Gaja's flagship, can be considered among the most faithful and traditional of the region in terms of its expression.
The Légende wines, perhaps the best new Bordeaux release in decades, come from the exceptional Bordeaux house Domaines Barons de Rothschild (owners of Lafite, which established itself as First Growth in the 1855 classification). In accordance with state alcoholic beverage laws, all wine orders will be placed at one of the wineries authorized by Lionstone. Coupled with biodynamic agriculture, the result is a deeply creamy wine with fleshy flavors of red fruits, dried cherries, subtly powdery tannins and a moca-tinged finish. Knowing those details can also help you decide if it's a wine that's best to drink young or if will age well.
One of the most important names in all of Burgundy is Louis Latour, and one of the most unique wines it produces is Château Corton Grancey, a blend of four Grand Cru vineyards (Bressandes, Perrières, Grèves and Clos du Roi). This is a nod to K Vintners and all the other producers in the United States who are making fantastic and affordable wines.
