Current Favorite Wines Of RN74's Sommelier Team

A great leader is only as good as his team, they say.

In the case of Rajat Parr, co-owner of the new wine bar and restaurant RN74, this aphorism is especially apt.

Parr has assembled a landmark group of four extremely gifted sommeliers to guarantee that his reputation is buttressed every moment of every evening. Their pedigrees include Gary Danko, Osteria Mozza, Charlie Trotter's and the Michael Mina restaurants in Vegas. In addition, three of these sommeliers are brand-new to San Francisco, so drinkers are at the receiving end of advice that is both intimately connected and wholly removed from local trends.

Here, the team's favorite bottles that are currently available to the public:

NV André Clouet Champagne Grande Reserve Blanc de Noirs ($50 retail) "This is an amazing Blanc de Noirs from a superb grower-producer–all for $50," says head sommelier Bernabe De Luna (pictured, far left). dandm.com

2005 Paradigm Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($63 retail)

"With aromas and flavors of cassis, cedar and graphite, this wine delivers richness and complexity without weight and tannin," says sommelier Christie Dufault (pictured, second from left). "It's proof that bigger is not always better." ferryplazawinemerchant.com

2007 Domaine Combier Croze-Hermitage ($27 retail) "This is a classic northern Rhône red from a small producer," says sommelier Eric Railsback (pictured, second from right). "Why pay for inflated Hermitage when you can drink Combier for a fraction of the price?" klwines.com

2007 Franz Gojer Alto Adige Lagrein ($39 retail) "This wine is incredible, with aromas of plum skin and smoke and savory spices. Plus, it's very flexible with food," says sommelier Justin Hall (pictured, far right). thejugshop.com