At Vinfolio's lovely Holiday Party at Medjool, here in San Francisco, we had a fun night of getting to know more about the people we spend so much time with during the day. Luckily for all of us, everyone was completely sane, fun and interesting, including the new hires we didn't yet know very well! This is good because you never know when you're growing as fast as we are. Everyone had a great time tasting new wines and enjoying holiday revelry.
Since Vinfolio is all about the world of wine, a great double-benefit of our get-togethers is the chance to sample an assortment of our own offerings. Along with some tasty small plates at the holiday party, we tasted some new finds and revisited others we might have enjoyed a time or two before. Here are a few of my favorites:
NV Ployez-Jacquemart - Brut Blanc de Blancs $42
Structure balanced with elegance. There are details in the highlights as well as a richness that keeps you consuming. I had more of this in my glass than any other wine. Very nice!
The Ployez-Jacquemart may inspire you to try some of his other selections:
NV Ployez-Jacquemart - Brut Selection Rose (375ml, $27)
1998 Ployez-Jacquemart - Brut Vintage Blanc de Blancs $59
2006 Pra, Fratelli - Soave Classico Superiore Vigneto Monte Grande $25
An extremely flexible wine for casual sipping. This wine has a lively feel showing layered flavors and good structure. Guests will love it!
1990 Lafaurie-Peyraguey $89
Though we had the 1986, it was a great reminder that I love this Sauternes, especially in great vintages like 1990. The '90 is yet another example of the "sweet spot" for me in wines--precise flavors and very persistent quality. It's a beautiful Sauternes and great with dinner from appetizer through dessert.
2004 Pallieres - Gigondas $23.95
Now that many more Americans have become familiar with some of the 'other' great Southern Rhone regions (outside Chateauneuf du Pape), the best wines of Gigondas usually can't be found for a price like this. Subtle spice with cherry-razzy charm and mineral lift. The wine is drinking well now and will hold for 5-7 years, no problem.
All of these wines get a complete stamp of approval for the continued celebrations in this season and would be great choices for a New Years get-together! That is the case whether or not you are enjoying them with people you don't yet know or those you know all-too-well!
