By Marisa Finetti
It’s harvest time in the northern hemisphere. We, too, can have our own “harvest party” with wines that are ready to drink.
Bodegas Shaya Habis Verdejo Old Vines 2017
EDO Tapas and Wine
Generally speaking, white wines should be enjoyed young. There are also some that age very well. Spain’s beloved white grape, Verdejo, continues to improve over several years of bottle-aging, where it gains a rich texture and complexity while retaining its fruity freshness. Shaya Habis offers an exceptional selection of low-yield old Verdejo vines. The wine is barrel fermented and aged on its lees in large new French oak barrels for eight months. $130. Pair with Hokkaido Scallops Sashimi. edotapas.com
Vignoble Dampt-Dupas Chablis, Fourchaume Premier Cru 2012
Harlo Steakhouse and Bar
Chablis is a wine made from 100% Chardonnay from Chablis, France. It is one of the wine world’s most underestimated treasures. Reminiscent of stones and minerals, Chablis gains an extra charm as it mellows with age, with citrus and orchard fruit blending seamlessly into the softer acidity. $130. Pair with Bristol Scallops. harlosteak.com
Cava d’Onice “Sensis” Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016
Bramàre
Brunello di Montalcino is a coveted expression of Italy’s most revered grape, Sangiovese. Brunellos undergo long aging before release, so we are excited when they enter the market. But we also know they can age in a cellar wonderfully. Cava d’Onice is an under-the-radar gem. Owner Simone Nannetti harvests the fruit in September and the beginning of October. Eight years later, Cava d’Onice’s Brunello is a big, full-bodied wine with powerful tannins and velvety mouthfeel. $135. Pair with Beef Cheek Brasato. bramare.com
Château L’Évêché AOC Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2015
Main Street Provisions
The right bank of Bordeaux historically supplied northern Europe with simple and satisfying wines from the neighboring vineyards around Libourne. Today, the area of Saint Émilion and Pomerol is coveted. This fascinating blend of 80/20 Merlot/Cabernet Franc with a smattering of other Bordeaux varieties can lay down in a cellar for longer but is so ready to drink now. $105. Pair with Ribeye with yellow corn maque choux. mainstreetprovisions.com
Native9 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard 2016
Delmonico Steakhouse, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Situated on the southern side of the Santa Maria Valley in California, Rancho Ontiveros—an area dismissed due to historic oil operations—became home to James Ontiveros and his family. At age 23, he planted Pinot Noir—at the time, an unconventional choice. The nutrient-depleted soils and often inhospitable conditions led to a winning effect on the wine in what Ontiveros calls “the poetic weirdness of life.” $140. Pair with Kurobuta Pork Chop. delmonicosteakhouse.com
Domaine Julien Barge Côte-Rôtie, Côte Brune 2016
Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop
In France’s northern Rhone region, Côte-Rôtie’s ribbon of vineyards is world-famous. Of the two historical slopes, this wine is from Côte Brune’s 40–60-year-old vines, which harness the heavy iron-rich clay and schist to deliver a Syrah that mixes power with finesse. $105.99 Retail/$125.99 at the table. Pair with Roulade of House-Made Peking Duck. marchebacchus.com