SACRAMENTO — In a candid revelation, California Governor Gavin Newsom disclosed the prized bottle of wine he has set aside for a truly exceptional occasion, a choice that combines political caution with personal passion.
During a live interview at the California Museum in Sacramento, Newsom initially provided a politically safe response, mentioning a bottle of the mass-market Robert Mondavi Coastal Chardonnay, priced at approximately $10 per bottle.
“That’s my political answer, and I want to go on record with that being my political answer,” Governor Newsom quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience.
However, he then decided to share his true indulgence. “This is where your political consultants — I think there might be one or two may be here — are not going to like my answer,” he cautioned.
The revelation: a 1947 bottle of Cheval Blanc, a deeply rich red blend with an approximate market value soaring up to $21,282 per bottle. Recognized as a “wine legend” by Decanter Magazine, this wine is lauded for its sumptuous texture and opulent flavors.
Newsom emphasized that his early career, which included opening wine stores in San Francisco, afforded him the privilege of purchasing and savoring exceptional wines.
Governor Newsom, often viewed as a potential presidential contender, has faced criticism from Republican opponents who have labeled him a coastal elitist. This characterization was particularly highlighted by Newsom’s visit to The French Laundry, an upscale Napa restaurant, in 2020, a dinner that appeared to defy his administration’s COVID-19 protocols at the time.
In addressing this perception, Newsom noted that he acquired his Cheval Blanc almost two decades ago, at “a tenth of the price,” thereby distinguishing this cherished bottle from the more recent controversy surrounding his dining choices.
