Stem Wine Bar Greatest Hits Wine Tasting | December 2024 Recap

The Stem Wine Bar Greatest Hits Wine Tasting in December was a true celebration of the most popular bottles from tastings over the past few years. It felt like a highlight reel in wine form, paired with some of Chef Dom’s most memorable dishes.

Paul & Jules were on point as always, Brian delivered the wine knowledge with ease, and the food… honestly, this was one of those nights where every course landed. As is tradition, we kicked things off with the Italian pour and that always-a-hit goat cheese dip before moving into the official rounds.

Round 1: Opening Pour & Bright Beginnings

Terras Gauda Abadía de San Campio, Rías Baixas 2022 (Albariño)
Food Pairing: Whipped chèvre tart with lavender & honey

• Smell & Taste: Bright and aromatic with notes of citrus blossom, lemon zest, and green apple. On the palate, crisp acidity meets subtle salinity with a clean, refreshing finish.
• Winery Note: Terras Gauda is known for crafting expressive Albariño that captures the coastal influence of Rías Baixas—fresh, vibrant, and food-friendly.
• Pairing Highlight: The tangy chèvre paired beautifully with the wine’s acidity, while the lavender and honey brought out its softer floral notes.

Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV (Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir)
Food Pairing: Catalan shrimp romesco

• Smell & Taste: Delicate strawberry, citrus peel, and brioche on the nose. Lively bubbles with flavors of red berries, stone fruit, and a hint of minerality.
• Winery Note: Gérard Bertrand is a standout producer in southern France, blending tradition with sustainability and delivering consistently elegant sparkling wines.
• Pairing Highlight: The rosé’s freshness cut through the richness of the romesco, while its fruit notes complemented the sweetness of the shrimp.

Round 2: The Heart of the Tasting

Raeburn Sonoma Coast 2022 Pinot Noir
Food Pairing: Duck breast, parsnip purée, cherry port wine glaze, mushrooms, toasted hazelnut

• Smell & Taste: Aromas of ripe cherry, cranberry, and baking spice. Medium-bodied with silky tannins, layered red fruit, and subtle earthiness.
• Winery Note: Raeburn Pinot Noir is all about balance—cool-climate elegance with just enough richness to stand up to hearty dishes.
• Pairing Highlight: This was a wow pairing. The cherry glaze mirrored the wine’s fruit profile, while the duck brought out its savory depth.

Villa Antinori Toscana 2022 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah)
Food Pairing: Smoked mozzarella tortelloni with beef short rib ragù & Grana Padano

• Smell & Taste: Dark cherry, plum, and dried herbs on the nose. Structured and smooth with notes of blackberry, leather, and spice.
• Winery Note: Villa Antinori represents generations of Tuscan winemaking, blending international varietals with classic Italian character.
• Pairing Highlight: The wine’s structure stood up beautifully to the richness of the short rib ragù and smoky mozzarella.

Round 3: Bold Finishes & Sweet Endings

Spring Valley Vineyard “Frederick” Walla Walla Valley 2019 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Syrah)
Food Pairing: Aged Gouda, fig mostarda, almond

• Smell & Taste: Bold aromatics of black currant, cocoa, and cedar. Full-bodied with polished tannins, dark fruit, and a long, elegant finish.
• Winery Note: Named after vineyard founder Frederick Sharpstein, this wine is a flagship for Spring Valley and a consistent crowd favorite.
• Pairing Highlight: The aged Gouda and fig mostarda brought out the wine’s savory-sweet complexity perfectly.

Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria 2023 (Zibibbo)
Food Pairing: Chocolate budino, candied orange, sea salt

• Smell & Taste: Intensely aromatic with apricot, honey, orange peel, and spice. Lush, sweet, and beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity.
• Winery Note: Donnafugata’s Ben Ryé is an iconic dessert wine from Pantelleria, made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes.
• Pairing Highlight: Chocolate budino stole the show here—the salt and citrus notes elevated both the wine and the dessert.

Bonus Round

Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills 2023 Pinot Noir

• Smell & Taste: Bright red cherry and raspberry with subtle floral notes and a touch of earthy minerality. Fresh acidity and silky texture carry through to a clean, elegant finish.
• Winery Highlight: Brewer-Clifton is known for cool-climate Pinot Noir that emphasizes balance, restraint, and a strong sense of place from Sta. Rita Hills.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “The Inventor” Napa Valley 2021 (Merlot, Petit Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon)

• Smell & Taste: Dark berry fruit, plum, and cocoa with hints of vanilla and spice. Smooth and full-bodied with polished tannins and a rich, lingering finish.
• Winery Highlight: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a Napa

Favorites of the Night

Food Favorites

• The whipped chèvre tart was the perfect opener—light, balanced, and full of flavor
• Duck breast was a standout entrée, rich and beautifully paired with the Pinot Noir
• Chocolate budino was the ideal finish, especially alongside the dessert wine

Wine Favorites

• Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV – fresh, elegant, and incredibly food-friendly
• Raeburn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022 – a crowd-pleaser with depth and balance
• Spring Valley Vineyard “Frederick” Walla Walla Valley 2019 – bold, polished, and memorable

Final Pour

The Stem Wine Bar Greatest Hits Wine Tasting was the perfect way to close out the year, bringing together favorite pours, standout pairings, and great company. If you loved this format, you might also enjoy revisiting one of my earlier recaps: Wines of the Ancient World.

Coming Soon: Napa & Sonoma

We’re kicking off the new year with a trip a little closer to home. Next month’s tasting heads to Napa & Sonoma, featuring some iconic producers, classic varietals, and (if history is any indication) some incredible pairings from the kitchen.

If December was a highlight reel, January is shaping up to be a deep dive into two of California’s most celebrated wine regions. Stay tuned.

📅 Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout January 2026
📍 Location: Stem Wine Bar, 1311 Johnson Ferry Rd Ste 516, Marietta, GA 30068
🎟️ Tickets: Available on Eventbrite