2024 Adegas Valminor Albarino Rias Baixas 750 ml

We’d been looking forward to Sam’s wedding for months. A rare affair where excellent wine was going to be a given. After all, he was (and is) a wine industry lifer who’s seen and done it all—so we knew that he was going to pour the good stuff.

As we spilled into the exposed brick wine bar that hosted his reception, we noticed a bunch of heavy hitters hidden behind the bar: Dauvissat Chablis, Barthod Chambolle, and Alzinger Grüner, all Sam faves. But first, we decided to avail ourselves to a glass of white wine that was flowing openly: Albariño from Adegas Valmiñor.

We knew Sam was paying for the wedding out of his own pocket, so we were curious about what wine would make his cut for quality and price. And when we first smelled the Valmiñor, we realized Sam had applied as much of his acumen—heck, maybe more—to choosing this wine as he had the icons behind the bar.

We raced back to the bar for a second glass—and to take a look at the back label, which is where everything clicked into place: Adegas Valmiñor is imported by Fran Kysela, the Master Sommelier who Robert Parker called “one of the finest palates and selectors of top wine." Kysela’s been in the wine business for over four decades, and his name is pure gold.

The next step was obvious. While the band was taking a break, we stepped outside and shot off a few texts. We managed to secure the 97-point 2024 for our members—and still got back in time to help hoist Sam and his bride into the air on their chairs. A joyous day, all around.