CorkRules - Episodes | Sushi Note Sushi Note

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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Sherman Oaks hot spot, Sushi Note. This restaurant offers not only carefully crafted cuisine but a carefully curated wine list that features a creative selection of wines from around the world, including the little-known wine region of Alsace.

Wines reviewed include:

2018 Willakenzie from the Willamette Valley
2019 Christophe et Gils Gourchame Chablis, Burgundy
2015 Barolo from Curto, Piedmont, Italy

Transcript: Sushi Note

Sushi Note

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: Hello hello!

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 are we reviewing today?

GH: We are going to be chatting about the Sherman Oaks hot spot, Sushi Note!

RT: Awesome! I know we’ve done a few reviews for sushi restaurants before. Anything special about this one?

GH: Well, when looking over their wine list, they have a very well-curated selection. The wine director, Ian Lokey, obviously put a lot of care and consideration into this list. There’s lots of personal touches and explanations about wines and styles and varietals. Lots to read, which I always appreciate, but then again, I’m a total self-proclaimed wine nerd hahah

RT: Hey nothing wrong with that Grace. That’s why we value your expertise!

GH: I appreciate it, Robert!

RT: If I were to guess, are we starting with champagne?

GH: Of course, we are Robert! But only because sushi pairs so well with it. Light wine for light cuisine. If you wanted a non-vintage champagne, go for the Duval Leroy Brut Reserve. However, if you wanted and older champagne, I would choose the 2008 Jacques Copin

RT: Mmmm those both sound delicious and refreshing. Great choices. Now how about some whites to go with all this fresh sushi?

GH: So, something I really loved on the Sushi Note menu, is that they are highlighting the Alsatian region of France! And I quote “For hundreds of years the Alsatian people, finding themselves split between Germany and France, have created wines that go beyond Riesling and Pinot Gris. They have historically embraced field blends and lesser-known varieties like Sylvaner and Auxerrois. All of them with a noticeable hallmark: They are magnificent with food.”

RT: I love it. Alsace doesn’t get nearly enough love. And these lighter styles of whites are going to amazing with sushi

GH: You got that right Robert! My picks from the Alsatian section would be the Domaine Weinbach pinot gris, or the Marc Tempe Pinot Blanc.

RT: Awesome choices Grace. Now if we were wanting some heavier whites, what are some of your picks?

GH: Oh man they’ve got some beautiful selections for Chardonnay. If you’re thinking French, I would go with the 2019 Christophe et Gils Gourchame Chablis from Burgundy, or if you wanted domestic, the 2018 Willakenzie from the Willamette Valley would be a lovely choice.

RT: Delicious. I’m ready for both hahah Now with such a highly curated list, I can’t wait what they have for red selections.

GH: Oh for sure Robert. Starting off with some lighter reds. They have a 2015 Barolo from Curto out of Piedmont in northern Italy. Or if you’re thinking Pinot noir, they have a 2017 St. Innocent from the Willamette Valley, or if you wanted French pinot, they have a 2014 Savigny les Beane from Simon Bize

RT: I’ll take one of each!

GH: hahaha I know right! Can’t go wrong with any of those!

RT: Now how about some bigger bolder richer red wines?

GH: Say less Robert! If you’re a Syrah fan, go with the 2018 Cote Rotie from Domaine Christophe Semaska from the Rhone valley in France, or if you’re wanting a French merlot, they have a 2009 St Emillion Grand Cru from Château Lessgue. Or if you’re a California cab drinker they have a 2018 Rafanelli from dry creek in Sonoma

RT: Oh yum. Those all sound delicious. Now, what about some value wines for our listeners who are on a budget?

GH: I got you! They’ve got an awesome affordable Spanish sparkling from the Raventos vineyard. And if you wanted a wallet-friendly red you could do this 2015 Beaujolais from Domaine Alain Michaud from Burgundy

RT: Love it. And how about if we wanted to go to the opposite side of the spectrum and select some higher ticket items. Any special occasion wines on the Sushi Note list?

GH: Oh, is there ever Robert! They have a 2009 Moet and Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rose which would be fabulous. And then for a red, look no further than this 1991 cabernet from Araujo Vineyard out of Napa. That’ll be mwah “chefs kiss”

RT: Awesome Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Sushi Note. 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