Image by Jamie Jaye Fletcher
When Chris Dunaway was promoted from head sommelier to wine director of The Little Nell in the spring of 2019, he shared several of his goals in an exclusive interview with Wine Spectator, noting, “I have always dreamed of being a wine director and having that kind of influence on other sommeliers and others in the industry and helping to grow and promote something great.”
Since taking the reins, Dunaway has held true to these objectives, expanding the wine list to more than 3,000 selections and, in doing so, diversifying the wine cellar both by geographic region and production method, incorporating a mix of organic, natural, and biodiverse wines. During his tenure, The Wine Bar emerged as a new outlet at the hotel, along with a speakeasy known as The Board Room.
Here are some of his top picks for summertime.
Après Vin de Savoie Rosé
“There’s no better match for long summer afternoons on the patio at Ajax Tavern than a beautifully crafted and crisp rosé. While many are keenly aware of the high quality of rosé hailing from the French Riviera in Provence, there are many hidden gems to be discovered elsewhere in the French countryside, like this one produced in the hills of Savoie. This rosé is a blend of Mondeuse and Gamay, which are bright and spicy varietals planted up high in the French Alps. Truly an Alpine wine to be enjoyed during your visits to Aspen or back at home.”
Domaine Génot-Boulanger Clos du Cromin Meursault
“A beautifully crafted bottle of White Burgundy is satisfying year round, and one of my favorites, without question, is Meursault. It has a power and richness that is complemented by an electric, lip-smacking freshness and zestiness that culminates in waves of minerality and a never-ending finish. This wine is best enjoyed on a warm afternoon in Aspen, lingering on the Element 47 patio, or lounging by the pool, surrounded by our lush gardens and mountain views.”
Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This is truly one of the most iconic wines, and certainly one that was instrumental in first putting Napa Valley on the map. Martha’s Vineyard is the first single vineyard-designated wine in the history of Napa Valley, a style suggesting an inimitable signature tied to the place where it’s produced. We love it not only for its sustained excellence and consistency, but also for its tie to The Little Nell—former wine director Carlton McCoy MS and former head sommelier Erik Elliot AS are the managing partner and estate director, respectively, representing Heitz Cellar. I recommend sipping this gem while experiencing a tasting in The Little Nell’s Wine Cellar, the very space these two legendary alums helped curate not long ago at The Little Nell.”