Here’s a look at three new wine bars — and also the new wine program at Haiku, the Pan-Asian restaurant with branches in White Plains, Eastchester, Bronxville, Cross River and Mamaroneck. We asked for wines considered to be the best value — meaning the best wine for the dollar, not necessarily the cheapest — and considered a “wow” wine, meaning one that really makes you take notice.
Haiku
Where: 149 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, 914-644-8887 and 717 Post Road, Eastchester, 914-722-4200. The wine program will be introduced at the other locations later in the year.
The scene: Sleek decor with dark wood floors, orange-red walls, neon lights behind the bar and funky chandeliers.
Best value: 2008 Pinot Noir Weingut Stadlmann, Thermenregion, Austria. $10 per 6 ounces and $36 per bottle. “A real pinot noir with rich raspberry, earth and great depth,” says wine director Randall Restiano.
Wow wine: 2008 Crozes-Hermitage (100 percent syrah), J.L. Chave, “Silene,” Rhone Valley, France. $45 per bottle. “A luscious full-bodied and sexy red with flavors of red currants and hints of black pepper,” he says.
Signature snack: The pork belly slider from the Asian tapas menu. “It doesn’t show everything that Haiku is about, but it’s really awesome with the wines.”
Vintage 1891
Where: 2098 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-834-9463, vintage1891.com
The scene: Dark floors, slate walls, comfy couches and two big communal tables. The skylight is original to the building, built in 1888.
Best value: 2009 Anne Pichon Le Mont Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France. $16 per bottle. “Often viognier from France can be super pricey, so if you find stuff that’s the next village over, it’s a great deal,” says owner Craig Muraszewski. “This viognier has tropical notes, a wonderful balance of acidity and it’s really lively and ready to drink today.”
Wow wine: 1978 Paul Jaboluet Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone Valley, France. $1,000 for a half bottle. “Sit back and strap yourself in,” laughs Muraszewski.
Signature snack: Rosemary popcorn.
Bouchon
Where: 10 Marble Ave, Pleasantville, 914-769-4040.
The scene: Exposed brick, dark wood, couches and high tables. Groups of women celebrating girls night out and couples on their way to the movies.
Best value: 2008 337 Cabernet Sauvignon. $11 per glass. Spicy, with dark berries with a distinctive tannin that provides a softer wine than other cabs, says sommelier Alex DeBenedectis.
Wow wine: 2007 Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli. $50 per bottle. Blackberries and raspberries with a pronounced floral and minerally, almost meaty, flavor. Medium to full bodied with a silky texture, he says.
Signature snack: Charcuterie and cheese platter, made with cheeses from Artisanal in Manhattan.
Bin 41
Where: 41 Central Ave., Pearl River. 845-735-4111.
The scene: A long, narrow space with a big bar and tables on the side, flickering candles and deep red walls.
Best value: 2008 Quinta Cabriz, a blend of the Portuguese grapes touriga nacional, tinta roriz and alfroeheiro. $7 a glass and $26 a bottle. Medium bodied with deep plummy flavors, some chocolate and spice on the end, says owner Milagros Cerdeira.
Wow wine: 2009 Barbera d’Asti Pico Maccario “Lavignone” $9 per glass and $34 per bottle. Spicy, red currant and wild strawberry aromas, but tastes dry with spice on the finish, she says.
Signature snack: Artisanal cheese platter.
A few of our other (many!) favorite wine bars:
Wine bars
Here’s a look at just a few of our other favorite wine bars — or restaurants with great wine programs — in the region.
Velo Bistro Wine Bar
12 N. Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-7667, velonyack.com.
Pour Cafe & Wine Bar
241 Main St., Mount Kisco. 914-864-0606, pourmtkisco.com.
Nessa
325 N. Main St., Port Chester. 914-939-0119, nessarestaurant.com.
Croton Creek Steakhouse & Wine Bar
4 W. Cross St., Croton Falls. 914-276-0437, crotoncreek.com.
Espana Wine & Tapas Bar
147 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont. 914-833-1331, espanatapas.com.
Freelance Cafe and Wine Bar
506 Piermont Ave., Piermont. 845-365-3250. www.xaviars.com/freelance
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 N. Division St., Peekskill. 914-737-6624, 12grapes.com
The Gnarly Vine
501 Main St., New Rochelle. 914-355-2541 www.thegnarlyvine.com.
1 Comment
The new 87 Vines Wine Bar & Restaurant, 708 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, just off the Major Deegan near Cross County Shopping Center, should be added to your wine bar round-up. My recent stops there have included tastings of some very fine vintage wines by the glass as well as solid Italian-global menu specialties. It was opened by the Forchetti family who also own San Marko formal wear next door. http://www.87Vines.com