CorkRules - Episodes | Wally's Wally's

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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the extensive wine list at Wally's Beverly Hills, a one-stop shop for everything delicious – including a list of over 100 wines by-the-glass to explore, and five pages of Bordeaux to choose from. Wally's offers a large selection of wines from the world's finest vineyards, and Grace helps you navigate the list to choose a divine wine for your table, picnic, or wine to unwind at the end of the day.

Wines reviewed include:

2019 Clos du Roy Sancerre from Pascal Jolivet
2018 from Zind Hambrecht, Alsace
2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de la Solitude

Transcript: Wally's

Wally’s

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 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 iconic LA wine shop and restaurant, Wally’s.

GH: OH man I have been excited to dive into this list. This is one of the original LA wine hot spots. They’ve been so successful they have expanded to multiple locations.

RT: They must be doing something right then. Excited to hear your thoughts on it.

GH: Love it! Starting off with bubbles, because why wouldn’t we, I’m gonna choose a champagne I’ve never had before – the Lanson Organic Green Label from Reims. I always tell people that they way to learn about wine is to try new things!

RT: I totally agree with that Grace. It’s how we develop our palate for sure. Now I assume a place like Wally’s has a highly curated selection of white wine.

GH: That is putting it lightly! And speaking of light, if you’re a fan of aromatics, like yours truly, you could go with 2019 Clos du Roy Sancerre from Pascal Jolivet. Or is riesling is more of your thing, they have a lovely 2018 from Zind Hambrecht out of Alsace.

RT: Super floral for sure. How about some weightier whites?

GH: If viognier Marsanne Roussanne are more your thing. They’ve got a 2017 from Sine Qua Non out of the central coast. And a very interesting looking 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de la Solitude.

RT: Showing love to the Rhone whites – love to see it. Alright I can only assume their chardonnay selection is out of this world.

GH: You ain’t wrong Robert! Starting off with California Chardonnay. You could do the 2019 Aubert from the Russian River Valley, the 2019 Hirsch from Sonoma Coast, the 2019 Mayacamas from Napa Valley, and let’s round it out with the 2018 Ridge from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

RT: California chardonnay for everyone from everywhere haha what would be your picks from Burgundy?

GH: If you’re a chablis fan like yours truly, it’s gonna have to be the 2018 Valmur Grand crus from Jean Marc Brocard, or if you want something richer – I would go with the 2018 Corton Charlemagne from Bouchard.

RT: Those are some classic choices. Thanks for that Grace. Now should we dive into the reds? Starting with Pinot?

GH: 100% Robert ha-ha my pick for Oregon Pinot would be 2017 Laurene from Domaine Drouhin. And then for California pinot I would do 2014 Hanzell from the Sonoma Coast.

RT: Love those. But we can’t forget about Burgundy.

GH: You think Grace Hood is ever going to forget about Burgundy? Not on your life Robert ha-ha I am loving the look of this 2012 Chamertin Grand Cru from Duband. Or you could do this 2013 Musigny Grand Cru from Louis Jadot

RT: Can’t go wrong with either of those. What about if we’re feeling something lush and medium bodied?

GH: Say no more Robert. They have a 1991 Cote Rotie from E Guigal. Could also do this 2009 Barolo from Marchesi di Barolo. Or a Spanish classic – 2011 Veja Sicily Unico from Ribero del Duero.

RT: Some classic choices right there, Grace. Now what if we want to hit em heavy with some Carbernet?

GH: Starting off with Bordeaux which spans 5 pages oooo wee!!! So many tasty choices. You could do the 1998 Pomerol from Chateau Lefleur, the 2000 Premier Cru Margaux from Chateau Margaux or the 1989 Premiere Cru Paulliac from Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

RT: Can’t go wrong with any of those. And how about some California Cabs? We can’t forget about those.

GH: Oohhh that have a 1997 from Dalla Valle out of Napa. Also, could go with this 2005 Opus One.

RT: Definitely some crowd pleasers. Alright Grace how about some selections for the folks who are coming to Wally’s but don’t want to break the bank?

GH: Balling on a budget like yours truly? I got you. For a great and affordable white, you could do this 2019 Alberino from the Granbazan Ambar from Spain. And for a wallet friendly red – the 2019 Avni pinot noir from the Lingua Franca winery out of Oregon.

RT: And now how are we going to choose special occasion bottles? Almost everything on the Wally’s list could qualify as such.

GH: I know right?? What a problem to have ha-ha but if I have to choose just 1 or 2. For a White I would go with the 2019 Montrachet grand cru from Joseph Drouhin. And then for a baller red? The 1994 Harlan Estate

RT: Sold ha-ha Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Wally’s. 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.

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