Half Bottles: Practical & Efficient

They may not be flashy, and aesthetically look rather puny compared to their larger counterparts, but what half bottles lack in size they surely make up for in their practicality and utility. My appreciation for half bottles has steadily increased over the years for one important reason -- half bottles allow us to broaden and educate the palate more resourcefully and efficiently. Never have the opportunity to taste the magnificent terroir and style of Chateau Latour? The 2003 Forts de Latour is a great way to dive in at under $100. Or fancy a couple of glasses of Krug Grande Cuvée, one of France’s top Champagne houses, the half bottle of the 166th Edition at $74.95 is a wonderful value, considering a full size bottle rounds out at more than double that price!

Our half bottle offerings provide an array of regions and styles from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Chile, Napa to the magnificent off-dry German Rieslings from Prum. Below I highlight my top picks for the summer that are sure to be appreciated whatever the occasion, whether poolside, at the beach, or next to the grill.

1996 Gruaud Larose, Saint Julien
 

Classic Chateau producing wines of incredible depth and concentration. The ’96 is drinking beautifully – nice development with layers of smoke, tobacco and cassis. 
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2013 Faiveley, Joseph: Gevrey-Chambertin
 

Good Pinot Noir should be a Summer staple in any home. This Gevrey is delicate and supple – lots of fresh red fruit. Serve slightly chilled. 
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NV Krug: Grande Cuvee, 166th Edition
 

Top class Champagne! 2010 is the base vintage – showing great finesse as Krug always does. And a fantastic value in the half bottle format.
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Billecart-Salmon: Brut Rose
 

My favorite rose in the non-vintage variety. So pure, fresh and elegant. Wonderful texture on the palate makes this an ideal Rose Champagne all Summer long.
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2003 Forts de Latour, Pauillac
 

Showing very well right now. Still lush and quite savory with soft, velvety tannins. Great with grilled meats.
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2016 Prum, JJ: Riesling, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Auslese
 

Gorgeous off dry Riesling from one of the best wine makers in Germany. So layered and evolving with notes of stone and tropical fruit, honey and flowers.
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Best Wishes,

Graham Tucker
Store Manager
Graham.Tucker@sothebys.com