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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The View in Oakdale, New York. A Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, View’s wine list features an excellent selection of Old World and New World favorites. Michaela points out the hidden gems on the list, including a wine that pairs well with pairs well with bold spices and sushi, a delicious Spanish sparkling wine, and a few stand-out reds.

Wines reviewed include:

2019 Frank Family Chardonnay from Carneros, CA
2020 Bertrand “Orange Gold”, Languedoc of France
2015 Bodegas Muga ‘Conde de Haro’ Cava Brut, Rioja, Spain

Transcript: The View

https://www.lessings.com/corporate/restaurants/menu/view-wines-by-the-bottle-menu/8/9035

The View:

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 Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi 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.

RT: Today we are talking about View in Oakdale, NY. View features dockside dining with a menu showcasing fresh seafood and specials from the land.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Another Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, View’s wine list features an excellent selection of Old World and New World favorites to pair with their exceptional menu and views.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first standout producer that caught my eye was Frank Family. Consider the 2019 Frank Family Chardonnay from Carneros, CA. The winery was established in 1884 and continues to produce stellar wine in limited quantity. This oaked Chardonnay is rich and full-bodied showcasing aromas and flavors of baked apple, ripe pear, with notes of cream and vanilla on the lingering finish. Pair this Chardonnay with pasta or seafood with a cream sauce.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another favorite CA producer that caught my eye was Talbott Vineyards. Consider the 2019 Talbott ‘Kali Hart’ Pinot Noir from Monterey, CA. Receiving 94 points from James Suckling, this Pinot Noir features blackberries, ripe strawberries, ripe red cherries, with notes of clove and cinnamon. The mineral finish makes this Pinot Noir a perfect companion to herbed proteins and savory dishes.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: A must-try would be the 2020 Bertrand ‘Orange Gold’ from the Languedoc of France. This orange wine consists of a blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, and Muscat. Orange wine is produced by allowing the skins and seeds of white grapes to remain in contact with the juice for a period of time, creating that rich color. Few, if any additives are added to orange wines, therefore resulting in a nutty and almost oxidized characteristic. This bottle features dried apricot, honey, and ripe peach and pairs well with bold spices and sushi.

RT: These are some great calls.

So you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: If you are looking for a balanced red wine for the table, consider the 2014 L’Ecole ‘#41’ from the Columbia Valley in Washington State. This rich red wine features ripe blackberries, ripe blueberries, black olives, black pepper, and clove, with a mineral finish. An exceptional wine to pair with smoked seafood and herbed proteins.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind, any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: There is always room for something sparkling, especially when it features an excellent price. Consider the 2015 Bodegas Muga ‘Conde de Haro’ Cava Brut from the Rioja in Spain. Bodegas Muga has been producing standout wines since 1932. This vintage Cava, or sparkling wine from Spain, consists of Viura and Malvasia and showcases a floral bouquet of white flowers and honeysuckle, along with ripe peach, ripe pear, lemon zest, herbs, with a touch of ginger. Enjoy this sparkler with fried seafood, and light fare.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Another crowd-pleasing quality/value wine is the 2020 Dante Robino ‘Estate Bottled’ Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec is truly a winner with ripe blackberries, black cherries, ripe plumb, with notes of thyme, sage, and black pepper. A medium to full-bodied red wine that pairs beautifully with herbed and richly sauced proteins, all for an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: A standout red blend to consider to add to your special occasion would be the 2015 Gerard Bertrand ‘Clos d’Ora’ from the Languedoc of France. This organic, 95 point rated red blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignon is certainly one to savor over dinner. Gerard Bertrand was born in the South of France and began making wine with his father at the age of ten. He aims to bring a touch of the South of France to each bottle. This bold, full bodied red features ripe raspberries, fig, and plumb, with clove, tobacco, black pepper, and smoke. Truly a remarkable wine to pair with richly sauced proteins and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate View’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.

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.

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

Thank you.

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