If You’re Wine-Curious, This Is What I’d Pour You First

If You’re Wine-Curious, This Is What I’d Pour You First

I love when people walk into a winery and tell me they don’t really know anything about wine.

Perfect.

You’re exactly who I want.

Now, if you walk in and say you don’t drink at all —
I do briefly consider calling security.

As a joke. Obviously.

It’s completely your choice. I respect it.

I just think it’s a very specific place to make that announcement.

But if you’re here because you’re curious — come here.

We’re not doing this the complicated way.

We’re doing this my way.

I’m starting you with bubbles.

Because we’re celebrating.

You decided to get into wine — that already deserves a glass. Congratulations, wise decision.

Lets start with a Spumante — something softer, a little enveloping, easy to like.

Green apple, pear, a little citrus — clean, bright, gone before you overthink it.

You take a sip and suddenly you understand why people do this. 

And if you do not like that, or you cannot be bothered with anything sparkling and are more water with lemon kind of person - something clean, refreshing, something that resets your palate - 

I’m pouring you Sauvignon Blanc.

Something like Ladera Sauvignon Blanc.

Lime, fresh herbs, a little grapefruit —
sharp in the best way, like the first sip of something cold when you didn’t realise you needed it.

And then if you tell me you like richer things —

butter, cream, pasta, smoothies, anything that feels a little indulgent —

I’m pouring you Chardonnay.

And I’m not guessing here.

I’m pouring you something that made me take Chardonnay seriously.

The A18 Chardonnay from Parables.

Golden apple, toasted almond, a touch of vanilla —
warm, rounded, generous.

This is a kind of Chardonnay that disappears. It takes you a moment to understand that you’re suddenly on glass three, speaking from experience.

At this point of the tasting,I’m not explaining anything.

I’m watching you.

Because now you’re reacting instead of thinking.

And that’s when it gets interesting and we slightly change the plot. Moving onto reds.

Gently.

Because red wine has scared enough people already.

’m starting you with something soft.

A Merlot from Darioush because it’s beautifully balanced.

Dark plum, black cherry, a little cocoa — smooth, polished, confident in a charismatic way.

This is where people stop bracing themselves and just… enjoy it.

We can also get a little adventurous here and try a blend. 

Something jammy, mischievous, and very easy to fall for.

I love the Caymus-Suisun “Walking Fool” blend.

Think of it as Caymus Cabernet’s rebellious younger cousin — louder music, softer heart.

Espresso, berries, smoked meat, a little leather.

It’s giving confidence with just a hint of bad decision energy.

This is the safest “risky” wine you can order.

And once you’re there —

I’ll take you into Cabernet, because you’ve already earned the stripes now.

Something from Rutherford, Napa Valley —
and specifically, I’d lean into a 2022 vintage.

Because that vintage feels generous.

The fruit is softer, more open — blackberry, dark cherry —
and there’s that signature Rutherford dust ( as they lovingly call the soil ) and cocoa that sits quietly underneath. Almost like trying a blackberry tart sprinkled with some coco powder on top.

It’s structured and definitely not holding anything back. Like Napa Valley’s male heartthrob — written by a woman.

This is the kind of wine that works now
and still knows how to age.

A little bit of everything, done well.

If I had to put a name on it —

I’d pour you something like the Nickel and Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon ( Can you tell I have a favourite?) 

Classic, composed, and exactly the kind of wine that shows you what Napa does best without making a big speech about it.

And then — I change the pace. Pinot Noir. Because people are usually curious about it. It's popular, you want it, and honestly, I get it.

But not just any Pinot.

The Terra di Promissio Pinot Noir from Castello di Amorosa.

Give it a second in the glass and it opens up —
red cherry, a little spice, something floral that feels almost perfumed.

It’s fresh, it’s expressive, and it pairs beautifully with anything that leans a little umami.

Never had a Pinot like this.

And then, at the end —

I’m pouring you something that reminds you why you started and also because I’m Indian. My mom would throw a fit if I let you go without trying something sweet and because I’m a professional alcoholic I don’t serve desserts for dinner, I serve dessert wines

Moscato.

Something Italian-inspired. Not technically into the dessert wine territory, but more fresh and sumptuous.

Peach, orange blossom, a little honey —
like walking through citrus trees in the middle of summer while someone peels an orange next to you.

You just like it.

And that’s the whole tasting.

Some wines to experiment with.

You’ll figure out what you like — crisp, rich, or somewhere in between.

And once you know that?

You’re not new anymore.

You just needed someone to pour you the right glass. You’re welcome :)