Here are twelve of our Founder's Favorites. These are the wines that Greg recommends to friends and serves at his house.
From cult Napa Valley producers to First Growth challengers, from ancient Australian vineyards to Italian legends, this collection represents the pinnacle of winemaking. Each bottle tells a story of exceptional terroir, masterful craftsmanship, and unforgettable moments. Journey with us through these 12 carefully selected treasures.
Jason Woodbridge has set the pace for 100pt wines and has achieved cult status in a relatively few years at Hundred Acre. The Fortunate Son line of wines extends his brand and branches out. This wine is a Merlot dominated blend that as Jeb Dunnuck said, “would give a great Pomerol a run for its money with its darker red and black fruits, smoky herbs, and earthy goodness on the nose.”
2012 Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz Yarra Valley
This winery property dates back to the founding of OZ as a prison colony. This winery has won just about every award available and remarkably with a 150+ year history was awarded winery of the year in 2022 and the female owner as winemaker of the year. If you love bacon, you can find hints of it in this wine. If you want a true experience of a 12-year-old earthy and terroir-driven Shiraz from old vines, this will be your jam.
2020 Weingut Emmerich Knoll Wachau Ried Pfaffenberg Steiner Riesling
If you haven't yet discovered the joys of top-end DRY Austrian wines, it's probably because they are keeping these wines for themselves! Our allocation on this wine is tiny because we have to fight with the top 3-star Michelin restaurants for a tiny amount. Here's what James Suckling had to say, "It makes you feel like you’re on vacation on Hawaii or Tahiti." I can't add more other than, buy this wine.
2022 Sea Smoke Chardonnay Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills
Santa Rita Hills is truly something special. If you’re looking for a standout Chardonnay with exceptional character and elegance, this is it. Critics have praised Sea Smoke for crafting wines with vibrant acidity, rich fruit flavors, and a beautiful balance of oak and freshness. This Chardonnay offers crisp citrus and stone fruit notes, layered with hints of vanilla and toasted almond, making it perfect for savoring on its own or pairing with a variety of dishes. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable expression from one of Santa Rita Hills’ top producers.
2020 Chateau Montrose St. Estephe
After visiting Ch. Montrose several times, it is one of the most beautiful Chateau in Bordeaux, but there’s also this church-like reverence for the place. I’ve been at the property with 100 or more people during en-primeur, and there is a silence, as people quietly sniff, swirl, and appreciate the majesty in the glass. Most critics and I agree: this wine is somewhere between 98 points and perfection.
2022 Domaine Jean-Michel Guillon & Fils La Petite Chapelle Gevery-Chambertin Premier Cru
Sometimes, I put my nose in the glass and immediately know I’m going to love the wine. This was one of those wines. This is a wine that will take you on a ride as it unfurls over the course of an hour or over dinner. 2019 was a “can’t miss” vintage in Burgundy and drinking this wine is like being in the presence of a graceful, elegant lady who smells so captivating, you have to hold yourself back from leering.
2018 Marchesi Fumanelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
A flagship wine that truly stands out and must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Hailing from the renowned Valpolicella Classico region, this Amarone showcases the power and elegance that define top-tier Amarone wines. If you want to discover why Amarone is one of Italy’s most celebrated and distinctive red wines, this bottle is a perfect place to start.
2019 Ca' Rome’ di Romano Marengo Barbaresco Maria di Brün
A remarkable single-vineyard Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s finest sites, crafted in a stellar vintage like 2019. While wines from this prestigious area often reach high price levels, Romano Marengo offers exceptional quality at a fair price, making it a true gem. This vineyard is situated near some of Barbaresco’s most renowned crus, adding prestige to the wine. High scores and critical acclaim confirm that this Barbaresco delivers outstanding value without compromising on excellence.
2019 Damilano Cannubi Barolo DOCG
Damilano is celebrated as a benchmark producer in Barolo. Rooted in tradition yet embracing meticulous craftsmanship, the winery’s Cannubi vineyard—one of Barolo’s most prestigious sites—delivers wines of exceptional depth and elegance. This 2019 vintage highlights the perfect balance of power and finesse, making it a standout expression of Nebbiolo. It’s a must-try for lovers of classic Barolo and offers excellent value given its quality and pedigree.
2023 Martellotto 'Kind of Noir' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Tastes Like a $100+ Wine! The 2023 Martellotto 'Kind of Noir' Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Napa’s “once-in-a-lifetime” vintage, praised by Wine Bible as “one of the most phenomenal vintages ever in Napa Valley.” Crafted by Greg Martellotto, one of only 420 certified Italian Wine Ambassadors, this bold, silky Cabernet delivers ripe black fruit, balanced oak, and the signature depth, power, and elegance of Napa—without the $100+ price tag. Sourced from the finest vineyards, it’s structured, smooth, and rich, a Napa Cabernet that stands proudly with the valley’s elite while remaining surprisingly accessible.
2022 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
This bold Napa Valley blend—with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—is deeply layered and immediate in its appeal. Aromas of crushed blackberries, dark plum compote, cocoa‑covered raspberries and espresso bean lead into a rich palate where smooth, polished tannins carry notes of graphite, warm slate and a touch of vanilla oak. The finish is luxurious and lingering, making it approachable now yet built for the medium term.
2021 William Fevre Vaulorent Chablis Premier Cru
William Fèvre has set the standard in Chablis, and Vaulorent is one of their crown jewels. Technically a Premier Cru, but with Grand Cru pedigree, this vineyard delivers precision, power, and elegance in equal measure. The 2021 vintage brings laser-sharp minerality, citrus, and a graceful finish that lingers. If you know, you know. If not—this is your sign to taste what top-tier Chablis is all about.
Want to Try a Bottle of Each of the Best Greg's Picks?
Buy them in a 12-bottle case here. Grab this collection of 12 handpicked bottles, curated by BHW's Founder, now!
Share:
The Breakfast Price Index: Where Morning Sustenance Costs More Than a Decent Bottle of Wine
Antonio Galloni’s Five Key Characteristics to Evaluate a Vintage
Comments Section