After scoring Wine Spectator Grand Awards for seven years straight since 2010, the iconic RN74 is closing on October 7th. The news comes as a shock to many. RN74 is famous for the depth of its wine list, running multiple vintages deep for every major Burgundy producer. And founding wine director Rajat Parr is legendary not only as a sommelier, but a winemaker and author.
So why the shutdown? According to SF Chronicle, the RN74 concept worked when Burgundy prices were lower. But after 2012, Burgundy prices soared due to consecutive small harvests. The combination of rising Burgundy prices and rising food prices became difficult to sustain.
Now, the Mina Group has a new concept slated to take the helm: International Smoke, in partnership with Ayesha Curry. The restaurant, serving barbecue dishes from across the globe, has already proved promising in early Mina Test Kitchen runs.
So, here’s the important information. Every Tuesday and Thursday before RN74 closes, its entire summer market wine list is available for half off. We’re talking seventy wines (on pages 1 and 2 of its 59-page wine list), all at a very reasonable price range. In addition to some crowd favorites such as the 2014 Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon or 2016 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, there are also some more intriguing finds for the adventurous palate. For example, guests can sample the rare Spanish Mencía grape, Burgundian Aligote, or a Corsican Vermentino, all for less than $50 a bottle. The same special is also available on Mondays and Wednesdays during happy hour, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
The restaurant is also hosting special dinners with some of the figures who have major impact on its past. For example, on October 2nd, Chef Sobel and David Castleberry will be serving a menu of their greatest hits.
As a training ground for so many successful chefs and sommeliers, RN74 is bound to remain a fabled restaurant long after it’s gone. Check out the latest Michael Mina wine list, or book your final visit here.
Photo courtesy of RN74.
If you are in San Francisco and are interested in checking out some other wine bars, here are 5 wine bars that we recommend for tasting flights. Cheers!