Choosing a great wine

kristina | 6:43 pm | September 20, 2007 | Wine, Gifts for Friends

I live and work in the Napa Valley.  Contrary to popular belief that doesn’t mean that my favorite movie is Sideways, that I have a license plate frame that reads, “Napa Valley, A Grape Place to Live” or that I spend my weekends wine tasting and soaking in mud baths. 

What it does mean is that I know of all the great restaurants who charge little to no corkage fee and some great $20 red wines created from the same ultra premium grapes that are used in wines by wineries demanding $100+ per bottle.  (It also means I have to get my jog in before the sun comes up because my dog is scared to death of hot air balloons.)

Working with an ever-changing selection of over 200 different wines I am asked daily, “Can you recommend a good wine?” and I usually respond with, “What’s your price range?  What style wine do you prefer?”

Today I have decided on a new response.  The new response will be, “Where and with whom will you be sharing this wine?” Because the universal truth is that memorable experiences cannot be bought or measured by the quality of a wine.  If you’re putting that much emphasis on the taste of wine, frankly you need to reexamine your priorities.  Don’t get me wrong.  I see nothing wrong with spending upwards of $100 on a bottle of wine or taking a Robert Parker recommendation, but if that means you spend the entire time at dinner trying to determine whether that’s Rutherford dust you smell or stale cigar, life’s moments are probably passing you by.

So whether you decide to meet an old friend for lunch or just enjoy the final days of summer in your backyard, remember that food and wine are only as good as the company.  Instead of spending your time searching out the perfect wine, spend your time searching out the perfect company.

To help you get started, I am recommending the Hahn 2005 Pinot Noir.  At just $19 retail (forgive me, but I have to go into wine geek speak now) it’s full of lush blackberry, cherry, spice all wrapped together in a silky mouthfeel with just enough acid to put it all into balance. 

It’s the perfect wine for sharing because like good friends, it’s direct without being intrusive and complexly stimulating yet not overwhelming.  As always, enjoy it in good health and good company.

Cheers,
Kristina