wine recommendations

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Craft L.A., a Chef Tom Colicchio restaurant. Following his success in New York, he brought Craft’s pioneering approach to the West Coast.  Grace dives into the boutique style list, and in true international fashion, she chooses bottles from around the globe, including  France, Australia, Spain and beyond. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2009 Soter Brut Rose, Willamette Valley, Oregon

• 2018 Txakolina from Ameztoi, Spain

• 2017 Alber Boxler Pinot Gris, Alsace, France

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Tina Johansson, Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas join forces to navigate the wine list at Ferraro’s Kitchen in Miami where they serve authentic Italian cuisine by Igor Ferraro from Venice. He draws inspiration and experience from all over Italy, so you know the food will be an authentic Italian adventure, and in addition to his culinary experience, Igor was introduced to the world of wines at an early age, so you know the wine list is going to be thoughtfully curated with some exemplary small producers. Tina spots wine from a well-known Barbaresco producer, wine from the Dolomites, and a truly unique cult wine.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo, La Spinetta, Italy
• 2018 Foradori Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta, Italy
• 1980 Le Pergola Torte from Montevertine, Italy

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

 

Dr. Henry Barham is a leading ENT Physician specializing in sinus surgery and the Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Phenomune. As the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of TASTR, Dr. Barham is no stranger to scientific innovation. However, this same expertise also founded VinoTastr, where he discovered the science behind choosing wine that will best suit your palate. Blending scientific acumen with a passion for wine, Dr. Barham navigates the intriguing intersection of sensory exploration and oenology, reshaping how we appreciate wine.

 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Dr. Barham explains the technology behind VinoTastr and the inspiration that led him to create this innovative product

• Discover what led Dr. Barham to explore the wine side of the technology and the insights gained from studying people's taste profiles

• Find out the personalized wine tasting tests conducted by VinoTastr

• The vision for VinoTastr's future and the possibility of partnerships with wineries

• Explore how the technology could potentially be adapted for spirits

• Insights into VinoTastr's current development stage and progress

• Dr. Barham's personal motivations for driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of wine tasting

• Dr. Barham’s insights into his entrepreneurial journey and reflections on things he might have done differently

• Effective strategies that have contributed to VinoTastr's successful entry into the industry

 

In this episode with Henry Barham

We dive into the fascinating world of personalized wine recommendations with Dr. Henry Barham of VinoTastr. Discover the technology that powers this innovative product and explore the motivations that led Dr. Barham to create a groundbreaking solution for matching wines to individual tastes. 

In today’s episode of the Legends Behind the Craft podcast, Drew Thomas Hendricks and Bianca Harmon are joined by Dr. Henry Barham, Founder of VinoTastr. Here, we’ll explore the journey from wine to spirits and uncover the remarkable insights gathered from blind tastings. Dr. Barham shares the industry feedback that shaped VinoTastr's development and how they're revolutionizing wine and spirit tasting experiences, making them tailored, approachable, and exciting. Tune in to explore the science behind VinoTastr's success, the art of forging industry partnerships, and the driving force that keeps innovation alive.

 

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Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Tuscarora Mill, affectionately known as Tuskies. While the cuisine here is classic American fare, the wine list offers an extensive choice of Old World and New World favorites, organic and biodynamic selections, and several, carefully selected local wines. Michaela kicks off the review in Italy, moves over to Spain, and continues the exploration of wines from France, Portugal, and Argentina; she also identifies a few exceptional local wines from Virginia. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Borgo Paglianetto Verdicchio, Marche of Italy

• 2019 Bodegas Epifanio Erial from Ribera del Duero, Spain

• 2019 Domaine Equis, Domaine des Lises from the Crozes-Hermitage

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Jasmine, in Bellagio Hotel. This restaurant is located in a beautiful setting that serves Cantonese, Szechwan, and Hunan cuisine. If you don’t know what to pair with Asian food, don’t worry, Maria identifies the tasting notes in wines and offers pairing suggestions with meals on the menu, including well-known favorites such as Peking Duck and, for the adventurous oenophile, she suggests trying China’s best wine from the foothills of the Himalayas. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Marc Bredif, Vouvray, Loire Valley, France

• 2019 Sokol Blosser, Dundee Hills, Oregon

• 2018 Ashes & Diamonds, Blanc, a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend, California 

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to South Charleston to review the wine list at The Fig where southern dishes with a unique twist are prepared with seasonal ingredients and creativity. Sam checks through the list where she identifies a small producer with 40-year-old vines who focuses on minimal intervention, she spots a producer who farms their vines organically and biodynamically, and she recommends a special bottle of which only 1200 cases are produced.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Pinot Noir, Mac Forbes, Yarra Valley, Australia

• 2018 Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet “Granite”, France

• 2017 Domaine du Collier "La Ripaille" Saumur Rouge

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Trio Grill in Falls Church, Virginia where the focus is on offering the finest steaks, the freshest seafood, and, most importantly, an extensive, award-winning wine list. Michaela identifies standout,  Old and New World favorites, wines to pair with salmon, tuna, scallops, and spicy dishes, and a chardonnay with bright acidity, ripe green apple, and ripe pear, along with notes of brioche and honey with a creamy finish.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Badenhorst “Secateurs” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa

• 2020 Domaine Frederic Esmonin Les Genevrieres, Burgundy

• 2019 Mer Soleil, Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Belvedere located in the Peninsula Hotel in Los Angeles. This elegant, European brasserie displays a classic French-country aesthetic steeped in Southern California luxury. Guests can enjoy the culinary creations of a Michelin-star chef while indulging in a wine list that offers an equally elegant wine list. Grace recommends kicking of the evening with a bottle of top-notch bubbles, she suggests some light floral whites, a beautiful Burgundy and bold cab savs. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2009 Cristal Brut, Champagne

• 2016 Pouilly Fume, Jean Claude D’Aganeau, Loire valley

• 2004 Pillar Rock, Stags Leap, Napa

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Harvest in Cambridge,  Massachusetts. This restaurant has been serving meals with its unique twist on American cuisine since 1975. Sam finds some spectacular wines on the list, including wine from producers who use only grapes they grow themselves, wines from 50-year-old vines, and wines from high up Spring Mountain in Napa Valley. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 Huet Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Sec, Loire, France

• 2018 Beurer Trollinger, Weingut Beurer, Württemberg, Germany

• 2008 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

 Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Magnolias at the Mill in Virginia where new American dining meets old America complete with barnlike wood decor, quilts, and rustic charm. Michaela looks through the extensive wine list that features classic old and new world wines from standout producers and offers pairing suggestions with items on the menu, and wines with notes of  ripe blackberries, fig, prune, and cassis, along with smoke, vanilla, and silky tannins that make this wine a winner for any special event.

 Wines reviewed include:

•  2021 Zuccardi, Serie A Torrontes, Argentina

• 2018 Zenato Veronese Alanera Rosso, Veneto, Italy

• 2018 Archery Summit Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas hit the Las Vegas strip and pop in to Estiatoria  Milos to review the wine list at this award-winning Greek restuarant that serves authentic Greek cuisine and an eclectic wine list that features a wonderful selection of Greek wines, including 20 wines-by-the glass options which offers guests the opportunity to branch out and explore new wines, and Maria provides insights and recommendations on which wines to try. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021, Ktima Geravassiliou Malagousia

• Agiorgitiko Ktima Driopi Nemea, Greece

• 2019 Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

 

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

 

 

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Afici, a contemporary, fine dining restaurant with welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The multiple-course menu showcases Italian and French flavors and techniques. And most importantly, they have a great cocktail program and a wonderful wine list to match.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2013 Guy Charlemagne”Les Coulmets” Grand Cru
• 2016 Alain Chavy “Les Champs Gains” 1er Cru, Puligny-Montrachet
• 2014 Dom Levet “Les Journaries”, Cote Rotie

 

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

 

 

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas hit the high spot Spago in Beverly Hills where Grace reviews the 60-page wine list to find the hidden gems, value bottles and celebration wines. Whether you lean towards a delightful white Burgundy, Italian or Spanish reds, or are a firm believer in chardonnay all day, every day, Grace finds the wine that will delight and deliver on expectations. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2002 Krug Reims, Champagne, France

• 2006 Franz Kunstler, Rheingau, Germany

• 2015 Gangolff Condrieu, France

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Daniel Posner, owner of Grapes the Wine Company, joins Robert Tas for a special episode of CorkRules. Daniel has been a wine consultant, with clients from all over the globe. He travels extensively each year to wine regions to meet with producers, winemakers, winery owners, and to help procure the wines for his store. Daniel’s expertise in wine goes far beyond the usual wine store owner’s knowledge, and in this episode, he shares his expertise to help you choose wine for the holiday season.

Daniel's Holiday Recommendations:

Pinot Noir

Samuel Louis Smith

SCMV

Evesham Wood

Boedecker

Gerard Seguin

Jean Vaudoisey

Sparkling

Pierre Peters

Tarlant

Charles Heidsieck

Louis Roederer

Domaine Carneros

Domaine Chandon

Cava

Cremant de Bourgogne

Bourbon

Second Glance

Barrell Bourbon

New Riff

Pinhook

Bowman

Old Forester

Scotch

Macallan 12

Compass Box

Glenfiddich

Glenrothes

Tequila

Clase Azul

Reserva de la Familia

Dobel

Fortaleza

Mezcal

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.