Wine and opera go hand in hand, from the grand parties onstage, to an intermission toast among friends. We look forward to bringing wine and opera together again with Wine Auction, taking place on May 13, 2023, and we have a wonderful selection of Featured Vintners generously supporting the event.
Lyric is thrilled to share the recommendations from those vintners, exclusively for Lyric patrons, just in time for the holidays. Whether you are looking for pairings for a holiday meal, or a gift for the wine aficionado in your life, our Featured Vintners have something for every palate.
The Lyric Wine Auction Committee hopes that you will enjoy these selections and look forward to seeing you at the next Interlude event offering or at the Wine Auction in 2023.
Sincerely,
Erica L. Sandner and Nancy S. Searle, Wine Auction Chairs
Suzanne W. Mulshine and Eileen Murphy, Wine Auction Vice Chairs
Arietta is our name for wines born of a passion for music. The name Arietta, meaning short aria or art song, expresses our belief that all great wines must sing. Both wine and song should “take flight,” in the course of which the qualities of balance, vibrancy, depth, overtones, and complexity resonate and give us a sense of exaltation.
Arietta White Wine on the White Keys 2020
Purchase
Arietta White Wine on the White Keys Magnum 2017
Purchase
Pair with Caren Hatton’s Quiche Florentine
Arietta is our name for wines born of a passion for music. The name Arietta, meaning short aria or art song, expresses our belief that all great wines must sing. Both wine and song should “take flight,” in the course of which the qualities of balance, vibrancy, depth, overtones, and complexity resonate and give us a sense of exaltation.
Arietta White Wine on the White Keys 2020
Purchase
Arietta White Wine on the White Keys Magnum 2017
Purchase
Pair with Caren Hatton’s Quiche Florentine
Spread some good cheer with wine from Cakebread Cellars. We offer unique gift options for everyone on your list, including current vintages, rare library selections, and wine club memberships.
Pair your wine with these delicious recipes:
Rock Angel
CÔTES DE PROVENCE 2020
Rock Angel is partially barrel fermented in large oak barrels and made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). This rosé bears a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel bringing it into a more premium realm giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine that is fabulous as an aperitif or paired with a broad range of fine cuisine. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine.
Download the information sheet here!
Pair with Seafood & shellfish
The Darioush Signature Reds Collection | $265
Discover the Darioush ‘signature’ with this compelling set of three red wines from the 2018 vintage. Featuring a bottle each of 2018 Merlot, 2018 Shiraz and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, each a standard bearer of the Darioush estate.
Pair Shiraz with Lamb, Pistachio, Dill + Verjuice Braise from Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes & Kitchen Secrets | Book by Najmieh Batmanglij
Peay Vineyards is a family-run, estate winery located on a ridge in the far northwestern corner of the West Sonoma Coast. Nick and Andy Peay grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, sons of opera singers and buffs who started the Cleveland Opera. Their winemaker - and Nick Peay, the grape grower’s wife - is Vanessa Wong, formerly winemaker at Peter Michael Winery with stints at Château Lafite Rothschild, Domaine Jean-Gros, et al. We wish you all a happy return to live Opera and thank you for the interest in our wines!
2018 Peay Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
The nose has a floral top end with a whiff of smoke, mint leaf, and some Marcona almond notes that are further supported by a salty, tangy, lemony finish. The silky texture hints at richness but is held taut by bright acidity.
2019 Peay Vineyards Scallop Shelf Estate Pinot noir, Sonoma Coast
Scallop Shelf is not a simple, fruit-driven wine, instead offering a complex savory and mineral impression with floral top notes that emphasize elegance and intrigue over power. Aromas of Rooibos tea and star anise dance with maraschino cherry and cedar notes in the nose and woodsy, anise, and almost meaty notes create an overall impression of muscle but on a scuplted, athletic frame.
Pair with an Asian five-spice rubbed seared Duck Breast sliced and served on polenta with a cherry reduction jus.
2018 Peay Vineyards Les Titans Estate Syrah, Sonoma Coast
The nose features aromas of violets, juniper berry, bloody steak, and hints of white pepper around a red and blackberry fruit core. There is a dense stone and graphite middle core with some muscle and light tannins that will loosen with a few years of age. The red-fruited mid-palate and frontal floral lift makes this a wine of excitement and it is not heavy or plodding. Les Titans will drink well now though it needs a decant to open up the fruit and soften tannins.
Pair with a rosemary and garlic marinated grilled Rack of lamb served aside potatoes gratin.
Our entire lineup of wines are dedicated to the magnificent and versatile Tempranillo grape variety. These Tempranillo-based expressions from Ribera del Duero reflect the heart of Spain and the passion of artisan winemaking using time-honored techniques. All PINEA wines are sustainably and biodynamically farmed with attention to every detail throughout the winemaking process and elevage.
PINEA’s objective is to awaken your senses and soul and in doing so, becoming part of your most memorable moments.
2017 Résonance Vineyard Pinot Noir
An intense color with nice red tinges. The nose is complex, with notes of black cherry, blonde tobacco, black truffle, violet flowers, and noble essences of wood. The palate reveals a perfect harmony between the tannic structure and the aromatic complexity, while the minerality gives a vibrant finale, suggesting a long life.
2017 Découverte Vineyard Pinot Noir
A nice and brilliant color for this wine, with an expressive nose of cherry, blackberries, wild mint, fresh liquorice and noble wood. Vibrant and energetic, the palate reveals a subtle balance and elegant floral notes. The finale is mineral driven, expressing the complexity of the Jory soil.
2018 Découverte Vineyard Chardonnay
Wine with a pale golden color and silvery reflects. Complex nose of fresh hazelnut, lemon zest, orange blossom, jasmine and fern. The palate is pure and elegant, with dry fruits notes enhanced by a vibrant minerality.
Senses Wines specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot noir from world-class vineyards throughout the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVAs. Founded in 2011, Senses is a dream-come-true for three childhood friends from Occidental, Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot, and Myles Lawrence-Briggs, who began farming their families’ vineyards at just 22 years old. In partnership with renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the Senses team produces outstanding single vineyard and appellation wines, of which the 2015-2017 vintages recently received 95+ points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and 99 points from Jeb Dunnuck in 2018. Learn more through their interview with the Wine Advocate or from their website.
World-class Sonoma Burgundy Experience – Holiday Trio
Exclusive to Lyric Opera patrons, these sold-out wines are available in limited quantities individually or in a 3-bottle set while supplies last ($295)
2019 Charles Heintz Chardonnay, Green Valley/Sonoma Coast, $85 (97pts JD)
Pair with crab claws.
2019 UV - El Diablo Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $85 (96pts JD)
Pair with crab claws or lobster tail.
2019 'Day One' Pinot noir, Green Valley/Sonoma Coast, $125 (95pts JD)
Pair with Liberty Duck breast or a rack of lamb.
Celebrate the holidays with Spottswoode’s 2018 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pair this dynamic and inviting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with our favorite lamb recipe from our friend, Chef Anne Panchesson.
