Where do talented NBA stars go once their aging bodies diffuse their athletic prowess? For Yao Ming at least one direction has been west to California where the Houston Rockets mega-talent (he played in the All-Star Game eight times) has found a calling as a vintner.
On Wednesday, Yao introduced his two Napa cabernets from Yao Family Wines to Houston during a vintner's lunch at Reef.
Republic National Distributing invited 35 sommeliers and wine buyers from top tier restaurants to sample the Yao Ming and Yao Ming Family Reserve and to chow down on dishes from chef Bryan Caswell's kitchen.
Reef's Bill Floyd reports that you'll have to go to China to sample the $600-a-bottle reserve, but that the regular cab will have limited availability in Houston. Price is expected to hit the $180 mark. The wines have been available in China for two years, but are just now entering the United States market.
"They're exceptional, especially for a debut effort," reported Houston Chronicle wine writer Dale Robertson, following a November visit to Yao's winery.
Lanky Reef chef Bryan Caswell, left, looks absolutely petite up against Yao Ming.
