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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French restaurant Left Bank where they specialize in fine dining and fine wine. The wine list is organized by region, and Grace travels through to find the wines that pair exceptionally well with the menu and are exceptionally delicious. From Champagne to Burgundy and beyond, taking this trip with Grace is a fun way to explore French wines. 

Wines reviewed include:

  • 2019 Ladoucette Pouilly Fumé

  • 2018 Pouilly Fusse from Domaine Leflaive

  • 2018 Cote Rotie from Domaine Gangloff

Transcript: Left Bank

Left Bank

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. Today Grace and I will be chatting about the French fine dining bistro, Left Bank. Grace, you mentioned you used to go have desert there?

GH: hahah I did indeed! Left Bank is a very popular spot in the town of Vail, so it was often times hard to get a reservation. So instead, I would go sit at the bar and have their sauterne flight and their souffle which was one of the most beautiful deserts I’ve ever seen.  

RT: Love the sound of that. Well, where should we start with the left bank menu? Champagne?

GH: Of course we should Robert. Haha for bubbles I would do either the Bollinger special cuvee or if you wanted a vintage champagne, the 2010 Dom Perignon sounds to be pretty fabulous

RT: Oh, it does indeed. Thanks for pointing those out. What direction are you steering us in when it comes to the white wine selections?

GH: So Left Bank has their wine list organized by region which is really fun. If were going lighter whites – we’re gonna be looking into Alsace and the loire valley. In the Alsacian section, I would go with the 2020 Pierre Spar Pinot Blanc, in the Loire section I would choose the 2019 Ladoucette Pouilly fume,

RT:  Love both of those – super floral and refreshing. How about something a little weightier when it comes to whites?

GH: That’ll take us to the Rhone Valley and of course to Burgundy. For a white Rhone choice – I would go with the 2017 Condrieu from Domaine Guigal. And then for a white Burgundy, they have a lot of epic selections, but if I had to pick one – im going with the 2018 Pouilly Fusse from Domaine Leflaive.  

RT: Two classic choices – love to see it. Thanks for those Grace. Alright, where are you steering us when it comes to reds?

GH: Starting off with some lighter Styles and regions. Wow their red Burgundy section is .....dare I say....affordable? I know that’s an oxymoron but like, for the price point and the quality of the wine. Its really remarkable. It’s hard for me to just pick one red Burgundy of course b/c I love pinot so much, but I would go with the 2011 Vosne Romanee from Bouchard

RT: Wow that is a really affordable price for that year and style. Good job Left Bank, alright Grace want to hit us with some options for your other favorite grape?

GH: Oh you mean northern Rhone Syrah? Haha you know me too well. They have 2018 Cote Rotie from Domaine Gangloff which is always a classic.    

RT: Oh totally. Love that vineyard. Alright, where are you going to direct us when it comes to Bordeaux?

GH: How about I hit you with a left bank and right bank?  

RT: Sounds like a plan

GH: For my fellow right bank Bordeaux drinkers like yours truly, b/c I like merlot more than Cabernet, yes I know don't come for me in the comments section haha, Im gonna go with the 1998 Chateau Pavie Decasse Grand Cru.

RT: Oh, wow that baby is ready to drink. And what would your pick be for a left bank for our cab drinkers?

GH: Gonna have to be a classic – 2004 Chateau Palmer Margaux

RT: Merci Beaucoup - Grace thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list here at Left Bank.  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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