LYRA MAG.

Even Killer Eve 's personality morphing assassin and one intensely focused government intelligence employee-need to relax, put all vehicles in 'park' and sip up. via GIPHY For inspirational style - Villanelle's one constant beverage is - for sure -her choice of .the finest real deal French champagne. Expect a  van or full sized- refrigerator stuffed with the bubbly. Must have on wheels or terra firma - proper fluted glasses like the Waterford Crystal pictured here-that don't take up much room but properly aerate. Eve emulators clearly love red wines-when not desperately downing mini-bar vodkas. A sophisticated and affordable selection from the storied Bordeaux region-would satisfy her palate-especially on a MI 6 salary that probably doesn't allow for a mega EUROs worth of trophy wines to age. The latest release from Chateau Franc Maillet, Cuvé Montille Pomerol -is a winning chewy blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with  characteristics -of rip...

T he Nebbiolo grapes that comprises collectible and more drink now variety of Barolos -in all of its chewy deliciousness---is made in the biodynamic-organic "slow wine" wineries in the Piedmont area of Italy. From the south east region -from the historic glorious single vineyards located in Monforte d'Alba-family owned Pecchenino produces a few Nebbiolo wines. Pictured above-the accessible + value priced medium bodied Barolo like Langhe Nebbiolo Briccco Ravera 2015 -fermented in stainless steel, aged in Austrian oak (2 years)-followed by 6 months in the bottle. Deep ruby color, ripe berry flavors, licorice, florals-roses+violets, and mint hints. Fresh balanced sip-pretty much ready now or next year-to drink. ($28) The Bussia Barolo DOCG 2013-back label pictured below---is worthy of seeking out and aged according to Barolo DOCG (38 months) requirements. ($75). Ruby red in color-and made in a traditional production style with a long fermentation with native yeasts ...

S amples From the Bernard Magrez Portfolio of Wines  Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux reds are Valentine's Day perfect -and relatively speaking-are good values vs the trophy red Burgundies. THE Highlight: Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux Reds  from the esteemed Bernard Magrez collection included our favorite-and imo-well priced 2009 blend from  Chateau Pape Clément . This "urban" winery-  dates back to the 13th century(!!!!!)..and is in the Pessac Leognan appellation not far from the center of the Bordeaux region. What we tried-the 2009 vintage-is terrific...a hand picked, earthy intoxicating aromatic blend - with a wonderful  elegant finish-  a complex fusion of deep fruits, leather, smoky-lovely pepper hints (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc). Many foods including  Asian...would pair well. Priced in the USA around $170+ FYI: this jewel in Magrez portfolio-has white gloved employees de-stemming berry ...

Industria Studios, NYC Well structured, fruity-polished finishes and accessibly priced-those other Bordeaux reds surprised us with the numerous selections available….and the Bordeaux whites: dry/complex to-intense fruity and rich-to be enjoyed NOW or sophisticated 'sweets' = universally wonderful change from the too too oak heavy offerings from the Left Coast. Continued… Jean de Nodet, 2011 red $11.00 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc AOC/AOP Bordeaux Jean Médeville et Fils , 2012 dry white, $15.00 sauvignon, sémillon, muscadelle AOC/AOP Bordeaux Château Mazeris , 2010 red merlot, cabernet franc $25.00 AOC/AOP Canon-Fronsac-aged in oak barrels adds to complexity Château Ferrande , 2012 dry white, $24.99 sauvignon blanc, semillon, sauvignon gris AOC/AOP Graves Léo de La Gaffelière , 2011 red $18.99 merlot, cabernet franc, AOC/AOP Saint-Emilion Château Fleur de Lisse , 2011 red $20.00 merlot, cabernet franc, AOC/AOP Saint -Em...

Industria Studios, NYC For many wine drinkers-casual and collector types…the Bordeaux region of France pours out the prestigious (pricey)super stars in red wines---name dropping labels (including the stellar five first growths):  Château Lafite-Rothschild , Château Margaux ,  Château Latour , and  Château Mouton Rothschil d, serious and expensive cellar-worthy Pomerol wines -   Château Pétrus  and  Château Le Pin --- Premier Grand Cru Classé A ('s)  Château Ausone  and  Château Cheval Blanc ---and newer members  Château Angélus  and  Château Pavie … Worshipped harvest years of 'yore-1961, 1982 and 1989 are spoken with reverence---as is the sweet white superior first growth  Château d'Yquem -pure delight with each sip, imo . Want to impress with a holiday gift---any of the the aforementioned will do quite nicely-wrapped with a bow, or not. BUT-a a recent Bordeaux wine tasting in NYC-featured delectable wines from B...