Dirk’s Cuvée

Dirk Smits Tasting Notes
Dirk Smits, GAYOT’s Wine & Spirits Editor, in the Double Barrel Room at Saddle Peak Lodge, Calabasas, CA
By Dirk Smits

A blend of wine & spirits musings, tastings and tidings

Come back to this page to follow what is happening in the world of wine and spirits. I will constantly update it with new articles.

Contact: dirk.smits@gayot.com

Cheers!

> COFFEE & CHOCOLATE: They make a delicious combo. Do it with these artisanal Belgian chocolates we have tasted for you. ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER with GAYOT’s exclusive promo code. ORDER NOW!

WINE OF THE WEEK

> More than just a review of the wine itself. Travel where the wine was originated, with the story and history of the vineyards and winemaker.
ARGENTINA
• Catena Zapata, “Catena” Malbec 2018 | Mendoza – February 15, 2021
FRANCE
• Amiral de Beychevelle, St.-Julien 2017, Château Beychevelle | Bordeaux– December 21, 2020
• Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot, Patchwork, Chardonnay 2018 | Arbois – September 28, 2020
• Champagne Deutz, Amour de Deutz Rosé 2009 | Champagne – February 8, 2021
• Château La Rabotine, Sancerre 2018 | Sancerre –April 5, 2021
• Château Lassègue, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2017 | Bordeaux – December 7, 2020
• Clos des Lunes, Lune d’Argent, Bordeaux Blanc, 2018 | Bordeaux – August 10, 2020
• Domaine Faiveley, Mercurey Premier Cru, Clos des Myglands, Monopole 2018 | Burgundy – November 9, 2020
• Domaine Laroche, Chablis Saint-Martin 2018 | Chablis – April 12, 2021
• Domaines Schlumberger, Gewürztraminer, Grand Cru “Kessler” 2015 | Alsace – March 1, 2021
• Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Zind, Vin de France, 2018 | Alsace – September 14, 2020
• Georges Duboeuf, Beaujolais Nouveau 2020 | Beaujolais – November 23, 2020
• TerraVentoux, Terra Solis Intuition, 2017 | Ventoux – August 31, 2020
GEORGIA
• Château Mukhrani, Saperavi, Kakheti 2017 – March 29, 2021
GERMANY
• Meyer-Näkel, Blue Slate, Pinot Noir, 2018 | Ahr – October 26, 2020
GREECE
• Santo Winery, Assyrtiko, Santorini, 2019 – February 22, 2021
ITALY
• Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 | Tuscany – November 16, 2020
• Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino | Tuscany – March 8, 2021
• Luigi Maffini, Kleos, Cilento Aglianico 2017 | Campania – August 3, 2020
• Marchesi di Grésy, Barbaresco, Martinenga 2017 | Piedmont – December 28, 2020
• Poliziano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2017 | Tuscany – November 30, 2020
• Ruggero di Bardo, Susumaniello, 2019 | Puglia – January 11, 2021
• Saracco, Moscato d’Asti 2019 – March 22, 2021
• Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Amarone della Valpolicella, Antonio Castagnedi 2015 | Veneto – October 19, 2020
• Travaglini, Gattinara 2016 | Piedmont – October 5, 2020
MEXICO
• Casa Madero, 3V, 2018 | Valle de Parras – September 7, 2020
PORTUGAL
• Azores Wine Company, Tinto Vulcânico, Açores  DOC, 2018 | Azores – February 1, 2021
• Quinta da Alorna, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 2015 | Tejo – September 21, 2020
SLOVAKIA
• Château Belá, Riesling 2018 | Sturovo – July 27, 2020
SOUTH AFRICA
• Rustenberg, John X. Merriman 2015 | Stellenbosch, – August 17, 2020
U.S.A.
• Alma Rosa, El Jabali, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2018 | Santa Barbara County, CA – October 12, 2020
• Frank Family Vineyards, Zinfandel 2018 | Napa Valley, CA – January 18, 2021
• Hearst Ranch Winery, Reserve GSM, 2018 | Paso Robles, CA – January 25, 2021
• Honig, Sauvignon Blanc 2019 | North Coast, CA – August 24, 2020
• Mi Sueño Winery, Syrah 2017 | Napa Valley, CA – December 14, 2020
• Palmaz Vineyards, Riesling “Louise” 2017 | Napa Valley, CA – January 4, 2021
• Stinson Vineyards, Meritage, 2016 | Monticello, Virginia – March 15, 2021
• Tablas Creek Vineyard, Côtes de Tablas, Adelaida District, 2018 | Paso Robles, CA – November 2, 2020

WINERY PROFILES

Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Reims, France
Champagne Drappier, Urville, France
Champagne Gaston Chiquet, Dizy, France
Champagne Jean Lallement, Verzenay, France
Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Tours-sur-Marne, France
Champagne Nicolas Maillart, Ecueil, France
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France
Champagne Vilmar & Cie, Rilly-la-Montagne, France

BEST OF LISTS

Best Brut Rosé Champagnes
Best Kosher Wines
Best Non-Vintage Champagnes
Best Prestige Champagnes (Tête de Cuvée)
Best Valentine’s Day Wines
Whiskey Cocktail Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

WINE DINNERS

Chef Celestino Drago, Managing partner Piero Selvaggio, GAYOT’s Wine & Spirits Editor Dirk Smits, Sophie Gayot



Exclusive: Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio Joins Drago Centro’s Team

Watch Dirk Smits discussing with Piero Selvaggio the wines served during the dinner.


Sophie Gayot, Chef Celestino Drago, Managing partner Piero Selvaggio, GAYOT’s Wine & Spirits Editor Dirk Smits





About a private dinner where these wines were served.

Opening bottles of long-aged wine can be a hit-or-miss experience. Find out which vintages from several French selections still provided sublime sipping with my tasting notes.



WINE CLASS

Champagne Bottle Sizes
Grape Varietal Definition: Aglianico
Grape Varietal Definition: Riesling
Grape Varietal Definition:: Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Varietal Definition: Sémillon
Health Benefits of Wine

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