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Vinous 2024 Wine of the Year: 2021 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
featured, General Interest
, Nov 2024
Choosing the Vinous Wine of the Year for 2024 from the more than 35,000 wines our team of reviewers tasted during the last twelve months was a daunting task. Over the course of long discussions and lengthy deliberations, one wine stood out. A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a magnificent vintage that embodies exceptional quality and pedigree, with a price tag that remains quite accessible within the realm of the world’s very finest bottles. That wine is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Philip Togni Vineyard.
Vinous Table: The Polo Bar, New York, NY
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Nov 2024
The Polo Bar is one of my favorite spots in New York City. I realize that may sound somewhat pretentious, given that reservations are very hard to get. Even so, I love the Polo Bar because it screams of Americana and reminds me of my first trips to New York City as a kid when a few nights in Manhattan were the highlight of our family vacations. Back then, I was mesmerized by the raw energy of the city. I still am. For this article, I combined food and wines from several recent dinners.
Barbaresco: The Stellar 2021s & Surprising 2022s
Italy: Piedmont, featured
, Oct 2024
The 2021 and 2022 vintages show two very different sides of Barbaresco. Now that most of the wines have been released, the early promise of 2021 is no longer a question of potential but of reality. These are vivid, exceptionally beautiful wines that show the heights Nebbiolo can reach. Conditions were much more challenging in 2022, and yet the first wines I have tasted suggest there may be some surprises in store. We will see.
Morlet Family Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier 2007-2019
United States: California, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Oct 2024
Knights Valley is one of the most fascinating regions in Northern California. The AVA lies just north of Calistoga and is nestled between Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Fountaingrove in a corner of Sonoma County that feels quite remote and pastoral. Knights Valley excels with red and white Bordeaux varieties. The reds are marked by distinctive savory and mineral notes that, at times, recall the great wines of Pessac-Léognan. Luc and Jodie Morlet’s Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is a terrific example of what Knights Valley has to offer. This retrospective back to the inaugural 2007 provided a fascinating opportunity to see how the wine ages.
Vinous Table: Bar Le Côte, Los Olivos, CA
United States: California, Vinous Table
, Oct 2024
The food scene in Los Olivos has improved dramatically in recent years. I sensed a palpable increase in the quality of local restaurants on my most recent visit this past July. Perhaps the long-awaited re-opening of Mattei’s Tavern was a catalyst. I can’t say for sure. What does seem evident is that visitors today have unparalleled options when it comes to exploring the local dining scene. Bar Le Côte is one of the crown jewels in Santa Barbara wine country.
Cellar Favorite: Castello dei Rampolla: Library Releases
Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany, cellar favorite
, Oct 2024
These library releases from Castello dei Rampolla offer fascinating insights into one of Italy’s most innovative estates and wines.
2020 Barolo: Part Two
Italy: Piedmont, featured
, Sep 2024
This update rounds up our Barolo coverage for 2024, the majority of which was published earlier in the year. As usual, my early fall report focuses on wines that were bottled this past summer, along with several emerging estates that are new to our pages.
Vinous Table: Ristorante Langotto, Novello, Italy
Vinous Table, Italy
, Sep 2024
Readers traveling to Piedmont will find a dining scene replete with everything from informal wine bars to starred fine-dining establishments and everything in between. I lean towards the classics, but Langotto has become a favorite on those nights when I want to branch out.
Vinous Table: The Crow's Nest, Montauk, NY
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Sep 2024
With its gorgeous setting, relaxed outdoor dining and fabulous menu, the Crow's Nest is one of the best places to eat in the Hamptons. The restaurant is located on a sprawling property on the tranquil shores of Lake Montauk.
Vinous Table: Mavericks, Montauk, NY
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Aug 2024
After this very rich meal, we skipped dessert. I look forward to exploring that part of the menu on a future visit. Readers spending time in the Hamptons will want to check out Mavericks. The ambiance, food and service overall experience are all top-notch.