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About this Episode

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

Transcript: Craft L.A.

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules! 

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

 

GH: Hey hey Robert! 

 

RT : Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules. We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that  list handed to us, well… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

 

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

 

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list. Grace, what fabulous spot are we chatting about today?

 

GH: We are diving into the wine list at Craft LA, which is Tom Collichio’s seasonal west coast location.

 

RT: Oh I love Tom’s restaurants. I bet the wine list is just as good as the cuisine.

 

GH: You’re not wrong Robert! Definitely a boutique style list. 

 

RT: Shall we kick it off with some sparkling then?

 

GH: Oh why not haha they actually have one of my favorite domestic sparklings – the 2009 Soter Brut Rose from Willamette Valley. But if you’re a tried and true champagne drinker, you can’t go wrong with the Já Lasalle Premier Cru

 

RT: Yum – love to see those smaller producers like Soter. Now how are they looking for whites Grace?

 

GH: For super light White, they’ve got one of my faves – a 2018 Txakolina from Ameztoi in Spain, Another light White you could do is this 2017 Alber Boxler Pinot Gris from Alsace. Or the 2019 Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris Blend from the wild and wacky Robert Sinskey out of Caneros in California.

 

RT: All those sound super refreshing. Great choices Grace. Now how about some chardonnay for our bold and buttery friends?

 

GH: For my Chardonnay drinkers – my Oregon pick would be this 2014 Gran moraine from yamhill carlton, my california pick would be the 2014 Littorai from Sonoma Coast, and my french pick would be 2014 Mersault from Domaine Genot – Boulanger.

 

RT: Ah can’t go wrong with any of those. Alright Grace how about some red wine? Starting off with pinot I presume?

 

GH: You know me too well Robert hahah yes starting with pinot- My California pick would be the 2018 Caraccioli from the Santa Lucia Highlands. And my French choice would be 2001 Grand Cur Clos de Vouget from Francios Parent.

 

RT: We love to see it. How are they looking for something medium bodied?

 

GH: Oh we talking about my other favorite red Syrah? I got you – they’ve got a 2014 Mollydooker from the McLaren Vale in Australia as well as a 2016 from sine qua non out of the central coast of california.

 

RT: Hmm we don’t see nearly enough love for Australian wines.

 

GH: I know right? Don’t sleep on Australian wines yall! They’re affordable and delicious

 

RT: Two things we love here a CorkRules. Alright Grace should we hit our listeners with some cabernet?

 

GH: Hit em up style haha my Cabernet picks for Craft La would have to be the 2005 corison from napa valley. Or if you’re feeling a french cab, they’ve got a 2008 from cheateau haut brion.

 

RT: Two classics for sure. Alright Grace what would you recommend for our friends who want some budget friendly bottles?

 

GH: I pick up what you’re putting down buddy. Affordable but delicious. For a White I would pick the 2020 Austrian Gruner Veltliner from Hirsh. and for red, the 2020 Land of Saints Pinot Noir from San Luis Obisbo

 

RT: Sold haha and what about those special occasion bottles?

 

GH: Gonna have to be the Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Rose Champagne. Or the 1995 E Guigal Cote Rotie

 

RT: We will take one of each! Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Craft LA.  To our audience, Thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.  If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

 

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

 

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

 

Thank you.

 

End

 

 

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