Friday Sips

One of the world's "Saints of Syrah" and simply put, the King of all Crozes! Bryan has been buying, selling, collecting and, most importantly, drinking Graillot's stunning value Crozes-Hermitage since the 1988 vintage and 2011 the third in the trilogy of marvelous Northern Rhone vintages. We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a great wine. This is one of those special circumstances! Immediately upon smelling this wine you notice the step up from the just about anyone else's Crozes Hermitage.

Blackberry, cassis, smoke, mineral, and a touch of asphalt, all combine on the hypnotic, youthfully exuberant nose. In the mouth there is more intense fruit, cracked pepper, olive, mineral and lots of persistence. While many wines from this area may make you want to meditate and have your dogma interface with your karma, Graillot's wine is more akin to George Clinton, it makes you want to dance and turn this mother out. Seriously though, this is a incredible example of French Syrah for the price and while very accessible now it will be the hit of any party down the road in 10 years as well.

Owned by the famed Frescobaldi family, the same people who also own Ornellaia and Castello di Nippozzano, this Tuscan treasure is immaculate and from a vintage that is drinking beautifully. "The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty offering laced with fresh flowers, plums, dark berries and spices, all of which emerge gracefully from its mid-weight frame. Clean, minerally notes inform the long, delicate finish. This is a terrific effort from Castelgiocondo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. – 91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"...ONLY 42 BOTTLES AVAILABLE!!

Owned by famed Champagne producer Bollinger, Ayala has reached new heights with the infusion of energy and expertise brought in by its sister house. Nothing like Bolly, Ayala has its own style and is one of perkiness elegance and refinement with no shortage of personality.

The Brut Majeur is a tremendously priced entry level offering. 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier with fine complexity and mousse. Lacy texture, plenty of lemon-citrus tones, picks up energy and burst on the lingering, very refined finish. Perfect Champagne with sushi and a great way to kick off the holiday weeks.