My Favorite Wines Part 1

Favorite wines: such a difficult subject to narrow down! At Cellar Trading, we truly have the cream of the crop, which makes the task enviable but challenging. But if I must make a list and If I am really going all out, I’d have the 1989 Haut-Brion at the top. This truly has been the best wine I’ve ever had the chance to drink – first in 1997, and multiple times in the mid-2000s until now. Right out of the gate it was spectacular and uniquely Haut-Brion with its finesse and sheer pleasure that can be elusive in a young first growth. It’s an obvious choice, but an irresistible one! Second on the list would be the 2000 La Mission Haut Brion (100 WA) – still so young, but I’d drink a few now and hold the rest to drink when I am 75!

At home, I am drinking lots of Bordeaux – it’s become my go-to for variety, consistency (the two are not mutually exclusive), and downright drinking pleasure at any price point. I especially love the back-to-back greats 2009s and 2010s in stock now, remarkably different vintages but both stellar: 2009 Canon la Gaffeliere, 2010 Canon, 2009 L’Evangile, 2010 Lafite, 2009 Leoville Poyferre, 2009 Palmer and Pontet Canet, just to name a few we have right now. I especially love the 2009s early on and can’t wait to see how the 2010s evolve.

Because I try to imagine what my future Bordeaux-loving self would need, that means securing 2023 futures now. We still have a select few available. Yes, it’s not instant gratification, but I want to make sure that I’m not without some of my favorite, affordable bottles in the not-so-distant future. I would pick up as much as I can of the 2023 Duhart Milon ($68! (92-94 WA)), the sleeper de Fieuzal ($29! 94-96 WA), Giscours ($55! 94-96 WA) and would splurge on the 2023 La Mission Haut Brion, to try alongside the 2000.  I’d also make sure to have at least 2 cases of my favorite blanc on hand for the future me: 2023 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc ($105, 94-96 WA).

And, lest you think I am only drinking reds over here, I like to stay stocked with Champagne: I’d definitely have a few cases of Savart & Dremont, Ephemere 017 & 018 Grand Crus (such a steal) always chilled.  I’ll pick up any one of the Selosse bottlings we have in stock – each is truly a masterclass in the individual terroirs. And who can resist 2 precious bottlings of Salon? 1996 side by side with 2013 would make for an epic and celebratory tasting for a few beloved friends.

Since there are simply too many amazing wines in stock, please look for part 2 in the coming weeks!