Welcome to our newest series, The Somm Set. Each month we’ll be sitting down with a guest sommelier and uncovering their guilty pleasures, cellar staples, and everything in between! Follow as they hand-select their favorites from our warehouse, giving you the inside scoop on cellar must-haves!

This month on The Somm Set, we’re excited to feature Michael Kennedy. Join us as we explore everything from his passion for wine, favorite wine and food pairing, and his newest endeavors.

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This week from Michael Kennedy:

Incoming! 

This week I got a peek at the insane list of wines on their way to Benchmark. If you are browsing the site, you’ll see “Pre-Arrival” next to some great wines. 

This offering today is a cherry-pick of the greatest wines on this list (in my opinion), along with some awesome under-the-radar producers and bottlings. When I’m searching for wines, I always look at this category because it typically means wines that are scarce, hard to find, or otherwise highly sought-after. 

Take a look at a couple of producers that I’ve highlighted… you won’t be disappointed making an investment in any of these gems. 

Incoming! Underrated Gems

Château Larrivet Haut Brion 

An excellent and wildly underrated Château near incredible neighbors like Château Haut-Bailly and Château Smith Haut Lafitte.

Elvio Cogno

A wonderfully talented and passionate producer from Piedmont, specializing in Barolo. Elvio started his estate in 1990, after leaving Marcarini at La Morra. These wines outdrink their price point to a shocking degree!

Incoming! Classics

Champagne Pierre Gerbais

One of my go-to Champagne producers. 

Château Pontet-Canet

An absolute icon in the Pauillac commune of the Médoc. Recently, they have become a leader in Biodynamic viticulture, consistently pressing for this practice & mentoring other estates wishing to make this move. 

Domaine Philippe Colin 

Philippe Colin is a classical example of Burgundy from the Côte de Beaune. A stunning selection is inbound and will last probably about… 3.2 seconds. Don’t wait on this one. 

E. Guigal 

Not only is Guigal an icon in the Rhône, but the top wines from this estate rarely are available in a multi-vintage offering outside of auction. See below a stunning selection of La Mouline. 

Aubert 

Although I really lean toward Burgundy when drinking Chardonnay, there is no question in my mind when asked who my favorite Chardonnay producer is in California: Marc Aubert. See below for some classical California gems. Elegant, undeniably iconic. 

Cossart & Gordon 

Well, among my friends, it is no secret how much I adore Madeira. From the way it is made, to the indestructible nature to the history - I’m hooked. Check out this incredibly wonderful Bual Madeira from 1958.

Check out all the wines mentioned below!