Recommended Wines at Houston restaurants

Sterling Minor, CSW’s Recommendations of October 2011
Sterling is an attorney, and a wine consultant who has earned Certified Specialist of Wine status.

Compilation and Notes © 2010-2011 Sterling A. Minor

Valentino (Italian) 

Hotel Derek Galleria Area $$$+            3 Stars
I received the list by email. Prices are not competitive. The default price assigned to a new release bottle appears to be at 2.15 times the distributor's recommended retail price, somewhat above the industry norm; however, there are many wines with prices much,.much higher and essentially none lower.  While there is a fairly high percentage of the wine on the list that is worth drinking, a much lower percentage is worth purchasing. The list is made up of almost all Italian or American wines, a good decision for an Italian restaurant.
Bolinger Champagne "Grande Annee" 1999 $260  
Bellavista Sparkling "Franciacorta" Lombardy Italy NV $75

Jermann White Blend “Vintage Tunina” Friuli 2006 $130

 

Pieropan Garganega Soave Veneto Italy 2008 $40  
Mer Soleil Chardonnay "Silver" [Unoaked] Calf. 2008 $65  
Ceretto Nebbiolo (Red) "Bricco Rocche Asili" Barbaresco 1999 $330

Marcarini Nebbiolo "Brunate" Barolo Piedmont 2005 $125

 

Ceretto Nebbiolo "Bricco Rocche Prapoi" Barolo 2004 $180  
Elio Altare Nebbiolo "Vigneto Arborina" Barolo Piedmont 2000 $250 Good value.
Giocomo Conterno Nebbiolo "Monfortino" Barolo 1988 $750  
Giocomo Conterno Nebbiolo "Monfortino" Barolo 1995 $700  
Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo "Villero" Barolo 1996 $450  
L. Sandrone Nebbiolo "Cannubi Boschis" Barolo 2001 $340  
P. Antinori Sangiovese "Marchese Antinori" Chianti Tuscany 2007 $70  
P. Antinori Red Blend "Tignanello" Tuscany 2007 $210 Too young.
Ornellaia Merlot "Masseto" Tuscany 2006 $490 Too young.
Cabero Red Blend "Il Borgo" Tuscany 2006 $60  
Villa le Prata Sangiovese Brunello di M. Tuscany 1999 $240  
Fess Parker Pinot Noir "Ashley's" Calf 2008 $100  
La Verite Cabernet Sauvignon "La Muse" Calf 1999 $250 Good value.
Montes Cameniere "Purple Angel" Chile 2006 $120  

A restaurant's current wine list may be emailed to me sterling@sterlingwineconsultant.com or faxed 713-223-4324.

Sterling Wine Logo

Go to the List of Restaurants