It is an honor to receive the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our Cellar Wine list once again. With over 300 wines on the VVR wine list, we have more wine choices than horses! Just like the love that Steph K and her team gives each of our horses under her care, Chef Jonathon and Damon care for this cellar full of wine to make sure they are in prime shape for drinking. So, for the wine loving, outdoor adventuring, mountain climbing, peace and tranquility seeking person, this wine list gives you just one more reason to check all the boxes of your wish list when coming to VVR for your vacation.
Here are some notes from Chef Jonathon on the wines he’s most excited to have on the list:
I just got in some wines by Jermann out of Venezia-Giulia. His “…were dreams” chardonnay and “Red Angel on the Moonlight” Pinot Nero (noir) are both stunning examples of the potential of these varietals in the region. Also, Dan Kosta, formerly of Kosta Browne and now in cahoots with Emeril Lagasse, is producing some great Sonoma Coast Pinots and Zinfandel.
Jim Binns of Andremily (named for his 2 daughters) has done it again with two 100-point wines! His #8 Syrah and 2019 Mourvedre both garnered perfect scores. Whenever I serve these at wine tasting, they tend to be the class favorites.
Clau de Nell is a Loire Valley project of famed vigneron Anne-Claude Leflaive. Damon and I tasted her Chenin Blanc and were floored. It’s just a tasty wine. The Cab Franc was delicious as well but still needs a couple of years.
In another amazing release, Shafer vineyards has done it again. The new Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay and Relentless Syrah are both killer wines. The Syrah has been blended with about 24% petite Sirah, making it a rich, creamy teeth-staining monster.
Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino. Credited with “creating” the Brunello clone in the mid- to late-1800’s, their Brunellos are easily some of the best wines produced in the region. Just have a friend buy them, ‘cause they aren’t cheap.
Finally, from Bordeaux, France, we have gotten in a few bottles of Pontet-Canet 2015 and Chateau Montrose 2016. Both Left Bank, thus based in Cabernet Sauvignon. Just approaching the early stages of maturity, they have, in recent wine tastings, shown incredible power and finesse.