Our first port of call on arrival in New York was Sussex Wine, 300 E. 42nd St. who according to Winesearcher were the only stockists of the infinitely rare St. Jeannet, the practically extinct white grape variety from the Appellation of the same name opposite Bellet on the outskirts of Nice which had found its way to Argentina and there was grown and vinified by Finca El Reposo., Mendoza.
At this shop we met Jordan, the owner of this company who also has a wine bar and plans the first Sampler-type (Enomatic?) machines in New York, although Union Square Wines seem to have one already). The St. Jeannet was not available at the E.42nd St. branch so Jordan walked us over to his other shop and opened it up specially for us. Sadly we discovered on examining the back label that the Finca El Reposo St. Jeannet is but a blend with 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay although the 40% St. Jeannet is from 90-year-old vines.
Nonetheless with this kind of enthusiasm, eclecticism and customer care, Sussex Wine is a place to watch.
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