Wine Wednesday | February 19th, 2025

Selected by Raymond Brown

Producer: Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, ‘Roche Roulee’
Year: 2019
Varietal: Riesling
Price: $39.97

Color: Starbright Green
Location: France, Alsace, Turckheim
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: Bright acidity with notes of melon, lemon zest, and evergreen/pine tree; all backed up by characteristic wet slate.
Nose: White pear, hints of petrol, wet forest floor.
Food pairing: Wild salmon tartare with an avocado purée.

What makes this wine special?
In my opinion, this is one of the best examples of Alsatian Riesling; and as a Somm, I had to kick it off with Riesling!

Selected by Jesse Drury

Producer: Turley "Dusi Vineyards"
Year: 2021
Varietal: Zinfandel
Price: $49.99

Color: Red
Location: US, California
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: Full-bodied with rich, concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum. Soft tannins. It reminds me of the raisins that came in the little boxes at lunch when I was a kid.
Nose: Ripe blackberries, some pepper, and some earthiness.
Food pairing: Grilled meat, barbeque, bolognese, aged cheese. This is great to have alongside a charcuterie board.

What makes this wine special?
I chose this bottle because it’s one of those wines that never disappoints. The 2021 Turley Zinfandel from Dusi Vineyards is easy to drink but also packed with character, offering a perfect balance of fruit and spice. It has just the right amount of boldness without feeling overwhelming, which makes it incredibly versatile for various occasions. Plus, the story behind this wine—coming from a historic vineyard in Paso Robles, with its unique soil and climate—is fascinating. It's a wine that’s fun to share with friends because of its rich, flavorful profile, and it's one of those bottles that always sparks great conversations. It also offers fantastic value for the quality, so it’s a go-to for those moments when you want something that delivers on flavor without breaking the bank.

Selected by Richard Gosa

Producer: Kanonkop
Year: 1998, 2020
Varietal: Pinotage
Price: $53.99

Color: Deep ruby
Location: South Africa, Stellenbosch
Additional tags: Desert Wine

Tasting notes: Full-bodied with bright cherry flavors and a hint of nutmeg oak spices. Finishes up with lovely dark chocolate flavors.
Nose: Attractive deep plum. Aromas of red currants. Black cherry. Strawberry conflict and a very well-rounded wood spice with a lovely nutmeg finish.
Food pairing: Duck with mushrooms.

What makes this wine special?
This is one of the best pinotages I have ever tasted. In most cases when I recommend it to guests, they always go wild.

Meet the Experts

Raymond Brown

Experience: Certified Sommelier, CMS-A
Background: Raymond Brown is a Certified Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Through his career which spans over a decade, he has honed his skills in some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels across the globe, from his time in the vineyards of France to the bustling wine-centric restaurants of New York City and Miami. His international experience has endowed him with a profound appreciation for the cultural and historical contexts that shape each bottle of wine.

Want to get in touch?
linkedin.com/in/PairedByRGB
instagram.com/raybrownstagram

Jesse Drury

Experience: Professional Sommelier
Background: Jesse has over 20 years of experience in the service industry, with a deep connection to wine. While pursuing his MBA, he ran a successful wine club at Boston University for two years. Today, Jesse serves as the sommelier and beverage manager at Bowery Meat Company in NYC, where he continues to share his passion for wine professionally.

Want to get in touch?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-drury-04832933/

Richard Gosa

Experience: WSET Level 2
Background: Richard specializes in food and wine pairing, bringing a keen eye for flavor and balance to every selection.

Want to get in touch?
linkedin.com/in/richard-gosa-b55b59131

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