The third annual Decanter Fine Wine Encounter returns to New York City this Saturday, 8 June, promising an exquisite selection of wines and a line-up of enthusiastic wine influencers. Here’s a sneak peek into the wines our influencers are eagerly looking forward to tasting.
Heather Muriello is particularly looking forward to the 2013 Quintessa from Napa Valley’s Rutherford appellation: ‘2013 was a strong year in California for wine. I’m a fan of this producer, and I am confident that the 2013 Quintessa will superbly showcase the winery’s commitment to biodynamic farming and excellent winemaking. This wine is expected to rival 1st growth Bordeaux in elegance and quality.’
Muriello is also excited about the 2011 Château La Dominique from Bordeaux. ‘At the DFWE, I’m heading right to the special wine section to indulge in the merlot richness! While new to me, this producer is celebrated for its flawless vineyard practices and adept winemaking. I’m looking forward to experiencing the outstanding 2011 vintage, led by Merlot, which promises to provide a unique tasting experience.’
‘I have a fondness for Rioja, particularly during the summer,’ adds Muriello: ‘The 2005 Remírez de Ganuza Gran Reserva is high on my list! I’ve learned a lot about this winery’s commitment to innovation and quality, primarily using select Tempranillo and Graciano grapes for their Gran Reserva. Just the thought of savoring this wine fills me with anticipation for its smooth texture with deep berries and spice notes. The excitement of tasting such a sophisticated and refined wine produced by such a renowned winery is really enthralling.’
About WINEFARER
Heather Muriello | @winefarer
Heather Muriello @winefarer is a wine specialist, content creator, and social media strategist. Through her wine and lifestyle blog, and her social media platforms, she communicates her enthusiasm for wine with an aim to simplify the complexities of the wine world. Heather offers easy-to-understand tasting notes, captivating content, and relatable experiences, encouraging her followers to explore various wine styles and cherish their wine adventures without feeling overwhelmed.
Nicole Muscari is particularly enthusiastic about the 2021 Signal Ridge Vineyard Estate Chardonnay from Mendocino Ridge, California. ‘Situated at an elevation of 2,742 feet, the Mendocino Ridge AVA is known for producing some of California’s most intriguing Chardonnay,’ Muscari said. ‘This wine, a blend of six different clonal varieties including both Dijon and California Heritage clones, offers a broad spectrum of scents and tastes.’ She continued, ‘The organic dry-farming methods employed on these sharply inclined slopes, featuring ancient marine soils, foster strong vines, leading to wines with notable intensity and complexity. Having tried this wine previously, I am keen to taste it again to reaffirm my early perceptions—it might well be mistaken for a Burgundy in a blind tasting.’
Another selection at Muscari’s event is the exquisite 2008 Château Haut-Bages Libéral from Pauillac, Bordeaux, to be served in magnum bottles. This wine is noted for embodying the essence of its gravelly left-bank terroir and the prestige of being a classified 5th growth from the celebrated 1855 classification. The magnum presentation is anticipated to enhance the experience, and the promise of the 2008 vintage is remarkable.
Participants can anticipate experiencing a sublime array of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of graphite and earth, all integrated within a structure of silky, fine-grained tannins.
Muscari is also pleased to feature the 2015 Disznókő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos from Hungary at the event. Renowned as one of the premier sweet wines globally, this Tokaji, produced with intense labor, involves meticulously selecting botrytized grapes over several harvests and soaking them in fermenting must to enhance the flavours and sugar concentration. Aged in 225-liter barrels, of which 25% are new, this process adds texture and complexity to the wine. Containing 180g/l of residual sugar, it offers a luscious sweetness, finely balanced with high acidity from the Furmint grape and flaunts traditional botrytized flavors of orange peel, ginger, dried apricots, and honey, as described by Muscari.
About Grape Chic
Nicole Muscari | @GrapeChic
French Wine Scholar Nicole Muscari launched her blog and social media platform, @Grapechic, to make wine more accessible and enjoyable. Currently pursuing the WSET Diploma, Muscari shares captivating wine stories and has contributed to publications like The Vintner Project and Honest Cooking Magazine.
Join us at the DFWE NYC at Manhatta, to explore these incredible wines and many more. Our influencers will be there, sharing their experiences and guiding you through a world of exceptional wine.
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC
Date: Saturday June 8 2024 from 11am to 5pm.
Location: Bay Room at Manhatta, 28 Liberty Street, 60th Floor,
New York, NY 10005
Price: Grand Tasting tickets from $225 + sales tax (save with Group tickets) | Masterclass tickets from $245
A Grand Tasting ticket also includes access to the Decanter World Wine Awards winners’ bar, where you can taste Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines from 2023.