Featured User: Evan Bienstock

Evan is a start-up and venture capital lawyer in New York City. With roots in New England, he likes to spend time in Connecticut and Vermont when he is not in Brooklyn. Evan has a passion for sustainability and has focused part of his legal career on that as well. He loves to cook with his daughter, play basketball with his son, and explore the city’s restaurants and local bars with his wife Julie (although admittedly, they usually end up at their same spots). He’s happiest when cooking for and with family and friends and choosing what wines to serve. Delectable: What sparked your passion for wine? Evan Bienstock: I was traveling through Europe in college and spent a week with a family friend in Amsterdam. The father pulled wines from his basement every night at dinner and told a story with each one about where he found it and what he was doing at the time. Most were from the 70s and 80s. I was blown away. It began. Wine, for me, became nostalgia and sharing with people you love. D: What wine region are you wild about right now? EB: Champagne . I am just starting to dip my toe in, but I foresee a love affair ahead. D: What is the most unusual wine you’ve ever tried? EB: At a recent dinner in Burgundy, I had a 1917 Suduiraut Sauternes . It was amazing. D: What is your golden rule for wine? EB: Share. Share wine with people that are more experienced enthusiasts than you and with people that have less wine knowledge. You’ll learn in both situations. D: Say you’re not allowed to have wine, what is your second option? EB: Beer . Nothing can beat it after a long ski day or a late afternoon summer run. D: Choose a movie, book, quote, or song and pair it with a wine EB: Steely Dan's Aja and a 2008 Barolo . Both timeless. D: If you were a wine, what wine would you be? EB: I think a premier cru Burgundy , like a Volnay or a Pommard . Reliable, not flashy, consistent and sometimes underestimated.

Domaine Louis Boillot et Fils

Les Pruliers Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2014

Love this vineyard. This wine feels a little shut down right now, but still very pretty. — 6 years ago

Sharon, Tom and 17 others liked this

Francois Gaunoux

Le Clos des Chênes Volnay 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2012

This was just signing. With no oak in her vinification the fruit is the star of the show. Thank you again Claudine. — 6 years ago

Matt, Ron and 19 others liked this

Paolo Scavino

Bric dël Fiasc Barolo Nebbiolo 2004

2004 Bric. Terrific. Opened tight but so much better with food and a little air. The fruit is dissipating but the secondary notes are very strong now — leather, anise, pine needles, olive. I like where this is headed. — 6 years ago

Mark, Severn and 20 others liked this
Severn Goodwin

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Great bottle, drank all of ours already 😕

Domaine Faiveley (Joseph Faiveley)

La Combe Aux Moines Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Pinot Noir 1978

1978 Gevrey. Showing significant signs of deconstruction, but an interesting data point nonetheless. Just too many years under this ones belt. — 6 years ago

Ron, Rob and 16 others liked this

Failla

Haynes Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

Delish and crisp after a long and epic ski day in VT. — 6 years ago

P, Severn and 22 others liked this
Ron R

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Wow, conditions look great up there... enjoy!
Sean Herriott

Sean Herriott

@Evan Bienstock Looks like the horse barn in The Hateful Eight😂

Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau

Silex Pouilly-Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Had this in VT with colossal crab legs on the grill (which were amazing!). The Silex was perfect. Decanted for an hour and it really showed up. — 6 years ago

Shay, Matt and 24 others liked this
Evan Bienstock

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@Severn Goodwin thanks!!! It’s fun.
Sharon B

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Congratulations on your feature! Lived in Connecticut for two and a half years thanks to the military! Beautiful up there
P A

P A

@Evan Bienstock Evan Great feature on you. Congratulations and Cheers from Canada 🥂🇺🇸🇨🇦

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1964

1964 and it was magnificent. Clear. Clean. Very present. A stunner. — 6 years ago

Paul, John and 23 others liked this
Severn Goodwin

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@Evan Bienstock Very nice, I have tasted some early 70's bottles, and own some late 70's bottles, but have not dipped my toes into this territory yet. One of my favorites BDX producers, I think they are first place on the second growths.
P A

P A

@Evan Bienstock Evan what a tasting you attended Envious Good for you Cheers 🍷
Evan Bienstock

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@Severn Goodwin the old Bordeaux are very good. I shy away from the newer ones...

La Pousse d'Or

Clos des 60 Ouvrées Volnay 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2012

2012. The nose is all oak. But the palate is very pretty and supple quiet red fruit with a hint of tannin for structure. I like this wine. — 6 years ago

Severn, Iwan and 19 others liked this
Sharon B

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Nice cozy setting!
Evan Bienstock

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@Severn Goodwin 5 degrees in VT...
Severn Goodwin

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@Evan Bienstock 11° in Great Barrington, and windy. This is a good wine, had a few vintages, none this young yet, glad seeing it getting posted.

Marqués de Murrieta

Castillo Ygay Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2009

Excellent in 2009. And in Madrid it’s even better. — 6 years ago

Daniel P., Shay and 22 others liked this
Joe Lucca

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Enjoy Madrid!

Château Suduiraut

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1917

1917 Sauternes. Yes, WWI. Nuff said. — 6 years ago

Paul, Daniel and 23 others liked this
Sharon B

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Wow! 1917 how cool. Was it still good?
Evan Bienstock

Evan Bienstock Influencer Badge

It was pretty amazing, yes.