CorkRules - Episodes | Vanderpump a Paris Vanderpump a Paris

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About this Episode

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas head to Vegas where they review the wine list at Vanderpump a Paris, one of the Vanderpump collection of restaurants belonging to reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Todd. The vibe here is classical Paris complete with an old Parisian courtyard, Art Nouveau decor, and crystal chandeliers. Elegant and romantic. They serve a French-inspired menu, and a short but sophisticated wine list that includes a selection of bubbles by-the-glass to kick off a fabulous evening. Maria finds the diamonds on the list and offers pairing suggestions to ensure a sublime wine and dine experience.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Saget la Perrière Sancerre, Loire Valley
2019 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, France
2012 The Château Montrose, “La Dame de Montrose,” France

Transcript: Vanderpump a Paris

Vanderpump a Paris at Paris Hotel and Casino

RT): Hi Everyone, welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that’s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists.

I’m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert! Today we are checking out a restaurant from a well-known name in the reality TV world

RT: Yes I have heard this is a new Vegas hotspot ., but before we get started, let’s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily and confidently make selections from the wine lists based on your wine preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price point. Plus, you can check out the wines your friends tried and order them yourself. So, checkout our podcasts as our top Sommeliers help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles.

RT: Today we are discovering the wine list at Vanderpump á Paris located in the Paris hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Part of the Vanderpump collection of restaurants belonging to reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Todd, this new hot spot is known for its highly decorative cocktails and decked-out Parisian décor but don’t stop there, this restaurant has a flavorful, French-influenced dining menu and a short but sophisticated wine list.. Maria what are your thoughts on the wine selection?

MV: I agree it’s a precise but sophisticated one-pager that gives you just enough options to pair with the food. Whites and Reds are separated into old-world and new-world categories with the old world being dominated by France and the new world being dominated by California they also have sections for sparkling wine which is definitely the place to start at this restaurant after you try one of the fancy cocktails of course.

RT: Do they have any sparkling options by the glass?

MV: They do actually, they had the Veuve Clicquot , but if you're going to spend the money on a glass of champagne then go all out for the Ruinart “Rosé,” Reims, FR

Actually, just order the whole bottle! I mean Who wants to stop at one glass of bubbly when it’s this good? especially if you’re ordering the caviar bites.

RT: You had me at Caviar Bites.. Any reds or whites by the glass that are of quality?

MV: Well apparently the Vanderpump's have their own wine label of which they produce a rosé, a Chardonnay, and a Cabernet Sauvignon and so they offer them by the glass but they also offer them by the wine flight so you can try all three for a set price. Now I've never tried them so I can't vouch for them so if any of our listeners go there and try them and you like them, then send me a DM on Instagram @ Maria the wine blonde and let me know what you think.

MV: I know I would definitely order the Saget la Perrière Sancerre, Loire Valley, FR (2020) 22 Sancerre is always a safe bet wine.. remember that’s Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire valley in France, and for red the Belle Glos Pinot Noir “Clark & Telephone,”
Central Coast, CA (2020) 21 is a fairly big Pinot noir that’s just calling for the mushroom Galette /tarte.

RT: Oh yeah, Pinot and Mushrooms… we know how well those work together. Moving on to bottles, any values here?

MV: well… while the food menu items are really reasonable it is a little harder to find wines that are super wallet-friendly.. for white it’s a lot easier..

Try the Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, FR (2019) super food-friendly wine, this is not going to be a cloying sweet Riesling.. instead it’s going to be dry and bright and would be lovely with the trio of tartar or the crab croquettes. I also like the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ 2020 $85 a favorite every time.. iconic New Zealand producer.. and then if you are wanting a rich chardonnay and are willing to pay the EXTRA for it definitely go with the Far Niente 2019 $150. Far Niente makes one of the top chardonnays in Napa…, plus the label is really beautiful the amandine butter-sauced sea bass with this one for sure! Buttery wine with a buttery sauce. All the way!

RT: Now you’re talking! And reds.. what do you think?

MV: while the Belle Glos is a great option, another pinot noir I like is the Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA (2019) 120, this is well-priced and a truly lovely Pinot in an elegant style, have this with the Coq au Vin Pot Pie! Delish!

RT: do they have bigger reds … you know me!

MV: yes Robert! Hold on.. haha.. for you they have the section called PREMIER CRU “FIRST GROWTH” COLLECTION and they have all 5 Bordeaux superstars.. , Latour, Lafite, Haut Brion, Chateau Margaux, and Chat Mouton Rothschild.. boom! What do you think of that? You in?

RT: only if I win a couple million at the craps table! Lol! Come on.. wow.. okay so that is pretty special they offer all of those collectible bottles.. but that’s a little more than I was looking to spend…

RT: Okay in all seriousness.. this one you’ll love - still Bordeaux, but attainable.. the Château Montrose, “La Dame de Montrose,” FR(2012) $190 this is Montrose’s second wine.. and still very very impressive.. ripe and structured, and nice that it has a little age on it.. The wines from this St. Estephe second growth estate in Bordeaux can really age well, this 2012 is finally ready now .

And then sticking with France but next level up... the Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, FR (2016) 420. One of my fav producers in CdP A CLASSIC! 30% Mourvèdre, 30% grenache, 10% Syrah 10% Counoise plus all the other 9 permitted varietals. This is still going to be one intense wine. Go for the Cast Iron filet with this big boy!

RT: well thank you Maria for finding us some diamonds on the wine list at Vanderpump a Paris in Las Vegas. Thank you everyone for joining us today you can find more wine tips from Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Remember the only rule in wine is “drink what you LOVE”.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at info@CorkRules.com You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.