FRIENDS OF FRIENDS

1. A CHAMPAGNE THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES

A beautiful bubbly that can (and should) be enjoyed by everyone: critics, people just getting into wine, your boss, wine snobs, Somms, hipsters who only drink grower-Champagne, people who must Vivino the bottle’s label. Have you met this rose goldcolored gem produced from the classic Champagne blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier?

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, $80

2. NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Four words that make most American wine drinkers very happy. Four decades ago, Napa Valley Cabernets and Chardonnay burst onto the global wine scene asserting their place among the greatest wines on the planet. With production and quality only going up since then, these wines are as exceptional as ever. With that comes the prices to match. A perennial favorite, a quintessential expression of the Valley, an opulent presentation of blackberry, leather, oak and spice:

Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley, $40

3. THE WASHINGTON CAB

The first American wine outside of California to earn 100 points from Robert Parker. Many more 100-point scores followed. Not always the biggest proponent of scoring wine, this wine from insanely beautiful vineyards in the Columbia Valley deserves all the accolades and esteem. World-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quilceda Creek, Columbia Valley, $150

Strangers, but you could be on course with them

soon; might as well get off on the right foot…