Wine Wednesday | March 12th, 2025

Selected by Jaton Gunter

Producer: Giacomo Fenocchio
Year: 2017 / 2019
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Price: $56.99

Color: Red
Location: Italy, Piedmont, Barolo

Tasting notes: Blackberry, cranberry, clove, full body, firm tannins & long finish.
Nose: Rose petals, cedar box, cigar tobacco, black berries, leather glove & clove.
Food pairing: Filet Mignon, Pot Roast, Wild Game, triple cream cheeses, & truffles.

What makes this wine special?
The power behind this wine is understated. At first taste, you think this is a solid Italian wine, but allow some air in on the second taste, and this wine comes alive! This is a complex wine that is truly versatile in regards to pairing with food.

Selected by Jose Valverde

Producer: Forjas del Salnés "Leirana Finca Genoveva"
Year: 2022
Varietal: Albariño
Price: $69.99

Color: White
Location: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: On the palate, it shows great energy, with vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavors balanced by a refined floral hint. The finish was taut, racy, and impressively long, with a lasting note of delicate florals and laser-like focus.
Nose: The nose opened with fresh quince, tangerine, and lemongrass, accented by subtle floral and quinine notes.
Food pairing: This wine pairs with seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, oysters, or ceviche, enhancing their natural freshness. It also complements lighter dishes such as herbed goat cheese, lemon-roasted chicken, and Mediterranean-style salads with a citrus dressing. For a richer pairing, consider creamy risotto or pasta with fresh herbs and spring vegetables.

What makes this wine special?
I chose this Albariño for its superb quality and the dedication of winemaker Rodrigo Mendez, who uses traditional, low-intervention methods to showcase the vineyard's unique character. His commitment to organic practices and respect for the region’s terroir shine through in this wine. Having visited the vineyard, I can personally attest to the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Additional information
Rodrigo Méndez of Bodegas Forjas del Salnés is a fifth-generation winemaker from Galicia, renowned for producing exceptional Albariño in the Val do Salnés sub-region. Since founding his winery in 2005, he’s focused on showcasing the terroir through low-intervention methods and historic winemaking techniques. His wines, crafted from ancient vineyards, capture the unique essence of the region, emphasizing purity, soil expression, and the history of Rías Baixas.

This wine was Rated 96+ by Robert Parker and 94 by Wine Enthusiast.

Selected by Richard McDaniel

Producer: Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 
Year: 2001
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $495.00

Color: Deep dark red/purple
Location: United States, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Additional tags: Saga Leap District Hillside blocks

Tasting notes: Deep dark fruit notes, cassis present, velvety mouth feel with beautiful tannin structure.
Nose: Voluptuous fruit notes, distinct aromas of a Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, hints of tobacco and anise.
Food pairing: Great to be drunk solo or pair with an A5 New York strip loin.

What makes this wine special?
It is one of the most stunning wines I’ve ever nosed, sipped, and swirled before just letting it wash over my palate.

Meet the Experts

Jaton Gunter

Experience: Certified Sommelier with close to 20 years in wine
Background: Jaton started off as a blogger before becoming a private buyer for clients. Later, he became a Certified Sommelier, worked in Union Square at Wine/Restaurant, wrote and published a wine book called "Fruit In Glass" (2017), was nominated for "Sommelier Of The Year" (Wine & Culture Fest - made it to the top 5 finalists), collaborated with Chef Armando Tam on the cookbook "It's A Vibe" (Wine-pairings for each recipe), and became Wine Director at Calabash Restaurant and part owner of in-house Wine Bar (2024). Currently, he owns a publishing company and is working on his next wine book.

Want to get in touch?
x.com/JatonGunter
instagram.com/jatongunter
winestealoftheweek.blogspot.com
medium.com/@jatongunter

Jose Valverde

Experience: WSET Advanced
Background: With over a decade in wine and hospitality, José has led beverage programs, managed inventory, and driven wine sales at prominent venues like Flora Bar and Barcelona Wine Bar. Known for exceeding sales targets, streamlining operations, and delivering top-tier guest experiences, he specializes in training staff and enhancing team knowledge. His background includes WSET and Spanish Wine Educator certifications, alongside project management training, equipping him to manage both client-facing service and backend operations in a global wine environment. Fluent in Spanish, he brings strong communication and organizational skills to every role.

Want to get in touch?
instagram.com/jjvalverde

Richard McDaniel

Experience: Certified Sommelier - Master Court Of Sommeliers
Background: Richard has been in the Restaurant Business for 30 years working mostly in fine dining. Many of his wine programs and lists have received awards and recognition.

Want to get in touch?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mcdaniel-99a73741

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