2019 Brunello di Montalcino is “…the vintage we’ve all been waiting for,” so “Buckle your seatbelts,” and strap on your helmets because the newest vintage from Montalcino is “…an embarrassment of riches for collectors and fans of the appellation” (Eric Guido, Vinous Media). The hotly anticipated Brunellos have “…definitely lived up to [their] lofty reputation as an excellent vintage across Montalcino” (Kerin O’Keefe). It showcases the extraordinary qualities of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s most famous and beloved grape variety, and its ability to exploit the region’s phenomenal terroir. This “…magical year…” (Giacomo Neri of Casanova di Neri) of “radiance and appeal” (Eric Guido) will likely set a new benchmark for Brunello wines for years to come.
According to Italian wine expert, Kerin O’Keefe, she has “…never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” She confesses that many of the best wines stopped her in her tracks, generating that “…magical moment
Tuna and Crab Tian with Yuzu Vinaigrette is another one of our signature dishes that people ask me about often. I created it a few summers ago specifically for the James Beard Foundation's Chefs & Champagne event honoring Thomas Keller. It has since become a summer staple on our menu at the Plaza Cafe.
Tuna Tartar:
The Pelissero winery is located in Treiso, Piedmont, which lies within the Barbaresco winemaking zone. Traditionally, Nebbiolo in the area would be bottled as Barbaresco, and Barbera would be bottled separately. However, their wine labeled Long Now is an unusual equal blend of both varietals. 
One of my favorite so called wine seasons definitely has to be Rosé season! There's nothing like a crisp, refreshing Rosé when the summer season is in full swing. There are plenty of great ones out there, but these are my two favorites that we have in stock.
The summer is unofficially now over after the Labor Day holiday. I'm ready to start thinking about the fall holidays, cooler weather and yes, red wine!
Summer is here and that means refreshing and delicious whites. One of the newer finds we've enjoyed recently is Domaine Sigalas' 2011 Santorini which is produced from one of the island's indigenous varietals, Assyrtiko.
I ask if Argentina is the New Spain because I remember four or five years ago when Spanish wines were very popular and becoming everyone's go-to wines that offered exceptional quality for their modest price tags. In today's wine world, Spain has kind of taken a backseat, and it seems I get asked more and more about wines from Argentina. In particular, it's the Malbecs from this great region that have become the new go-to wines for value seekers.
Chateau Montelena is a Napa Valley winery established in 1882 located just north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena, its name actually a contraction of Mount Saint Helena. The Estate vineyard is comprised of sedimentary, alluvial and volcanic soils on various hillsides and flats which help in creating complex flavors and aromas in their wines. In 1976 at what is now called The Judgment of Paris, Chateau Montelena helped to bring California to the forefront of the world wine stage by scoring the highest placement amongst ten White Burgundies and California Chardonnays. However, it is probably their iconic Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1978, that most people have collected over the years. As Robert Parker has mentioned: "Buying Montelena's Estate Cabernet Sauvignons is equivalent to buying blue-chip stock. The home vineyard is so consistent that even in difficult vintages such as 1989 and 1998, this wine is far better than its competition."
Summer in the Hamptons just isn't summer without a fantastic, fresh lobster roll! This is a summer favorite, and the waters of the East End provide us with very high quality lobster. In celebration of the summer months, The Plaza Café, located in Southampton, created a new bar menu. The lobster roll is a great feature on that menu, and it's become a favorite amongst customers. We have the recipe for you, which is easy to follow and straight forward. Enjoy!
With the fall season in full swing now, we are all looking forward to the bounty of fall vegetables, roasted meat and vegetable dishes, and of course some great red wines to enjoy alongside. You have, no doubt, already received your Sokolin Fall Catalog and hopefully, you've had a chance to go through it and are already in the process of enjoying some of these great wines at your home. 
I love Pinot Noir! It's my grape of choice when looking for a red to pop, and even more so when it's a hot day during the summer. Pinots are light on their feet but have enough complexity to keep you interested. I'm always looking for new ones try and although I prefer Burgundy, my wallet says otherwise.