This distributor was ahead of the curve
While Rob May and his wife, Darla, were in Milan during the Christmas holidays, they began to notice a lot of “dry coughing” in the streets and cafes. Attributing the cacophony to the bracing winter air and, of course, no shortage of cigarette smoke, the Mays didn’t overthink it at the time. But they do think about it a lot these days.
Fortunately, the Mays flew back to Houston from their holiday feeling fine and returned to work, sans health issues. Darla is an interior designer, and Rob has an online wine business called Killer Vino. Operating out of his home, he has the most simple of business plans: Offer intriguing wines at attractive prices, then personally handdeliver them to the customer’s doorstep — or all the way into the cellar, at least pre-social distancing.
Of course, when the longtime Houstonian May launched his “virtual wine shop” after leaving the Spec’s chain several years ago, he had no idea how a deadly new virus strain, arriving out of the blue, would make him the right guy in the right place at the right time. A gregarious, enthusiastic fellow who loves talking about wine without droning on about it, he had cultivated a loyal customer following because he genuinely enjoys hand-selling the stuff.
Before long, May began getting emailed photos of restaurant wines from folks he’d met, asking, “Hey, Rob, can you find me some of this?” And because he also made an extra effort to build personal relationships with suppliers, more often than not he succeeded in pairing people up with what they already liked, or another bottle they might enjoy trying that has a similar flavor profile. But he’ll reinvent your wine wheel only if you ask him to.
“If someone tells me they love Rombauer Chardonnay,” he said, “I’m not going to suggest they try a chablis.”
At first, May dreamed of having a brick-and-mortar retail space or a for-real wine bar. “I’m pretty grateful right now I didn’t pursue that,” he said.
He doesn’t sell wine through his website (killer vino.com), but he does offer wine-related products. He’s also on Facebook (Killer Vino Club) and Instagram (@killervino) and can be contacted directly at 833-9589463 or killervino@ killervino.com.
May’s clientele has grown by word of mouth. But it remained a bit of a 24-7 uphill slog until recently. His personal circumstances, he conceded, are proof that “a dark cloud can have a silver lining.”
More than once in his and Darla’s case, it seems. Hurricane Ike hammering Houston simultaneously with the advent of the 2008 financial crisis led him into wine because the design/renovation business he and Darla ran together faltered. A tasting buddy who had landed a job at Spec’s suggested he follow suit. He did and soon became WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certified. Eventually, his inherent “entrepreneurial spirit” kicked in, and today, at 53, May is a one-man band with what appears to be a big hit on his hands. That’s especially fortuitous because COVID-19, as it ravages the hospitality industry, isn’t treating Darla’s profession with much kindness, either.
“I’m an accountant, marketer, customer-service guy and delivery man all in one,” he said. Regarding the latter, be assured that May now arrives wearing a mask and gloves.
Verdicchio is that despite its modest price, it can develop beautifully over several years in the bottle.”
Price: $19
Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc, San Carlos Argentina
“I can’t say enough about the quality and value that exists at every price level in the Catena portfolio. This cab franc offers floral aromas intermingled with soft dark fruits and a hint of cocoa (some would say chocolate) and spice. Refined dusty tannins complement a smooth lingering finish. For all the people that believe that cabernet sauvignon is the only wine that pairs well with steak, this wine could change their mind.”
Price: $23
Alpha Estate Single Vineyard “Hedgehog” Xinomavro
“Xinomavro ( zino-mav-row ) is one of the many indigenous varietals of Greece, and its aromas of the “hedgehog” have always reminded me of nebbiolo. One of my house wines since I discovered it several years ago, this one offers a nice balance of red fruit and a subtle savory undertone with a silky mouthfeel that’s rich on the palate without being weighted down with high levels of alcohol. I like the fact that the currently available 2016 has had a few years in the bottle, allowing the tannins, subtle spice and fruit to integrate seamlessly.”
Price: $24
Amity Vineyards White Pinot Noir, Willamette, Ore.
“While it is common to find a sparkling white wine made from pinot noir, it’s unusual to find pinot noir bottled as a still white wine. As you look at the delicately pinkhued Amity Vineyards White Pinot Noir in your glass and aromas of crushed cranberry and pomegranate fill your senses, you might think you’ve already had enough wine for the day. Beyond the novelty, this wine is delicious.”
Price: $25