We’ve featured Vanessa Treviño Boyd of Philippe several times here on VineSleuth Uncorked, but never asked her to suggest 5 Wines to Enjoy for us. Now, especially since she is kicking off the guest sommelier series at Phil’s Wine Lounge with 7 of Houston’s best Somms starting Feb 6., we thought it was the perfect time to get her picks.
Check out these wines and let us know what you think. And, if you’re in Houston, swing by Phil’s Wine Lounge at Philippe and let her know, too.
Vanessa’s 5 Wines to Enjoy:
One white wine under $20 and widely available in the US:
- “Eroica,” by Dr. Loosen & Chateau St. Michelle, Washington 2010
This partnership by the German estate & Washington’s pioneering Riesling producer consistently produces value-driven wine of quality–an intermingling of New World and Old World sensibilities. This slightly off-dry Riesling is typical in its precision, clarity and elegance, and at its entry-level price tag is a marvel.
One red wine under $20 and widely available in the US:
- Pinot Noir, La Crema, Sonoma Coast 2011
What a value for an up-and-coming region regarded by many as one of the best sites to produce elegant, balanced Pinot Noir. La Crema’s wines are always full of up-front fruit, delivering immediate deliciousness and accessibility that would make even Grandma want to have a second glass.
One splurge (whatever splurge might mean to you):
- Laville Haut-Brion
My first fine wine revelation was a 1947 Laville Haut-Brion, a white wine produced by the legendary Haut-Brion property in Bordeaux. It was nutty, waxy and rich with an elegance and clarity that fine white Bordeaux start to exhibit around 20-30 years old. Impossible to find again, so I’d settle on the ’89.
…and two others of her own choosing (these may be either easy or hard to find):
- Bourgogne Rouge, Domaine de Montille, Burgundy, France 2009
What a great entry-level red Burgundy from a vintage yielding more accessible wines right out of the case. Etienne de Montille inherited choice parcels of land throughout northern and southern Burgundy–this ‘little’ wine is declassified classy stuff.
- Gruet, Rose, New Mexico, NV
I wish this sparkling wine were available in every state throughout the U.S.–if everyone could just have a glass of this after a hard day at work, they’d be a lot happier. And yes, it is from New Mexico. Trust me on this one.
Have you enjoyed any of these wines? Do any sound interesting to you? Tell us what you think…
Looking for more suggestions? Check out the VineSleuth 5 Wines to Enjoy archives.
Would you like to share your 5 Wines to Enjoy on Vinesleuth Uncorked? I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a note and we’ll talk.
