Wine Spectator’s 2013 Restaurant Awards presented 75 Arizona restaurants with one of three awards for their wine program. One such honoree is Arizona wine supporter Beckett’s Table, who was presented the Award of Excellence for the second year in a row. This award-winning program was put together by husband and wife, Scott and Katie Stephens, both sommeliers and co-owners of the restaurant with Chef Justin Beckett and his wife Michelle. The Stephens duo created a wine program that features more than 100 selections, 40 of which are available by the glass, with Arizona wines included in the list. Each wine has been co-tasted by Scott and Katie, something they agreed to do from day one and have never swayed from.
Winning a Wine Spectator restaurant award was never a set intention for the Stephens. Instead, their goal was to create their ideal list, offering diners options that are not typically found in a wine program.
“We wanted to build a wine list that our dream restaurant would have. How would we dine? We may want to share a bottle but then have a glass of something different. We may want to try an interesting grape varietal without having to purchase an entire bottle,” said Katie Stephens.
From this vision came the offering of 40 wines by the glass, something that is rarely seen on wine lists. Stephens said that managing that number of by-the-glass selections takes attention to detail, constant research and development, and a team approach. It would very challenging without supportive staff taking note of what is selling and what is not, or the distributors who really listen to their needs and introduce them to wines that stay true to the regions and varietals that complement the menu. It also involves turning away great wines because they don’t have the structure or acidity to hold up once opened.
“Each wine goes through a sort of in-house litmus test. It has to taste as fabulous 24-30 hours after it was opened as it did when it was first opened. We’re very hard critics about that.”
Wine has long been a passion of the Stephens, with the creation of the wine program at Beckett’s Table a true expression of that passion. They hope to raise the bar each year, offering one of the most extensive yet approachable lists in the Valley that will appeal to both the novice taster and seasoned palate alike. Congratulations to Beckett’s Table! With an award winning wine program, a menu of delicious comfort food using seasonal ingredients sourced as locally as possible, and a love of Arizona wine and local businesses, it is exciting to see what the team behind Beckett’s Table will do next!
Congratulations to all winners of Wine Spectator’s 2013 Restaurant Awards!
Here are a list of our favorites.
Grand Award – Anthony’s in the Catalinas
The Grand Award is the highest achievement, given to restaurants “that show an uncompromising passionate devotion to the quality of their wine program.” Those that earn this award usually provide 1,500 selections or more, feature a large breadth and depth of producers and mature vintages, include large-format bottles, and have excellent organization, presentation, service and harmony with the menu.
Best of Award of Excellence – BLT Steak, Bourbon Steak, The Capital Grille, Different Pointe of View, The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol, Il Terrazzo, J&G Steakhouse, L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek, McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse, Vincent Guerithault
The Best of Award of Excellence is the silver medal of awards, created to give special recognition to those that exceed the requirements of the Award of Excellence, often being close to the Grand Award level. The wine lists earning this recognition present either excellent breadth over many winegrowing regions or a great vintage depth, with vertical selections of several top producers from major regions.
Award of Excellence – The Asylum Restaurant, Beckett’s Table, Che-Ah-Chi Restaurant, Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge, Cucina Rustica, Dahl & Diluca, Del Frisco’s Grille, Durant’s, Feast, Geordie’s Restaurant, The Heartline Café, Kai, Lon’s at the Hermosa, Murphy’s, Raven Café, Maynards Market & Kitchen, Orange Sky, Posh Restaurant, Roka Akor, T. Cook’s, Talavera
The Award of Excellence is given to wine lists that offer selections from quality producers, match the menu in both price and style, and typically offer a minimum of 100 wines.
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