Sopranos & St. Supery at Binny's South Loop
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Little did I know that when I signed up for a tasting of St. Supery wines at Binny's south loop, that I would run into the Sopranos. The place was, excuse the pun, a mob scene! When I first entered, I practically ran into Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts) and Steven Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), who were there to sign bottles of Sopranos wines. There was a line that travelled all the way to the back of the store! People were just waiting for a chance to meet the Italian duo, and get an autograph on their Sopranos wine. I decided to grab some pictures and look for some St. Supery.I found Rick Bakas and Steve Orozco of St. Supery in the middle of the store
pouring five different wines. I started with their 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (which made my Best Buys list) ($14.99) and is refreshing, full of lime burst, grapefruit, and pineapple. I moved to their 2008 Virtu ($23.99), which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. This is a bit richer, with creamier notes, stone fruit, and more body. Then it was a Cabernet Sauvignon comparison between their vineyard blend ($29.99) and the 2005 Dollarhide estate ($69.99). The blend had more toasted coconut along with lush fruity flavor and supple tannins, while the Dollarhide was more intense and concentrated, with grippy tannins, and smooth oak flavor. The blend was a pleaser while the Dollarhide could age to become a more mature and strong Cabernet. I finished with their 2008 Moscato ($18.99), which was sweet and floral, with peach fruit flavor, but devoid of any sparkle- I like mine with some fizz. I really like the St. Supery wines since I was introduced to them at the Wine Blogger Conference 2009, and I think you will too.As far as the Sopranos wines go, they are made in association with HBO, and are a lineup of Italian varietals. They
make a Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir from Pavia, and three different Chianti: a DOCG madeup of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, a traditional Classico, and Riserva. I haven't tried them, so I cannot render any feedback, but I look forward to it. I know enough people went home with the wines that there should be some reviews out there!I guess this proves that in Chicago, you never know who you'll run into!