#310
Larkspur
Latest Episode
- 5/6/23 | 4:55
About this Episode
Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Larkspur, set in a glorious location, this mountain venue is set on the edge of a forest and provides panoramic views. Grace reviews a wide selection of wines and kicks off the review with bubbles.
Wines reviewed include:
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2017 Pierre Gimonet Premier Cru
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2019 Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner
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2005 Clerc Milon from Bordeaux
Larkspur
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. Alright, Grace – what fabulous spot are we chatting about today?
GH: Thanks Robert – today we heading to the fabulous ski town of Vail Colorado, to Larkspur.
RT: Winter wine in the mountains love the sound of it. I know you spent time in Vail – did you dine here during your winter there?
GH: I did yes! I went to a wine lunch there hosted by Robert Skinskey – such a lovely atmosphere and fabulous menu.
RT: Sounds right up our alley. Alright, should we dive right into the list?
GH: Let's dive right into bubbles – they have some fabulous champagnes on the menu. I would do either the Chartogne Tallier brut Rose, or if you wanted a vintage champagne, they have a 2017 Pierre Gimonet Premier Cru which looks fabulous.
RT: Can’t go wrong with either of those. Where are they taking us when it comes to whites?
GH: Well they have split their whites into two categories – “light” and “full-flavored” – starting in the light category, I would go with either 2020 Txakolina from Xomin, or the 2019 Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner. Two of my personal favorite light whites.
RT: Both sound super refreshing. What would be your picks for a “full-flavored” white?
GH: For French chardonnay it’s gonna have to be the 2017 Olivier Laflaive, and for our California chardonnay drinkers, I would go with the 2014 Sleepy Hollow from Talbott Vineyards
RT: Chardonnay all day. Thanks for those Grace. Alright, how are they looking for reds at Larkspur?
GH: Starting off with a lighter style, for pinots I would recommend the 2019 Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve from Willamette Valley Oregon, or if you want a French pinot, I would go with the 2014 Arlaud Première Cru from Morey Saint Denis
RT: Can’t go wrong with either of those. How about something medium-bodied?
GH: Mmmm they have a 2015 Deltetto Barolo which looks delish. Or you could go with the 2010 Voge Syrah from Cornas.
RT: Two great choices for sure. Alright, how about something big and full-bodied for our cab drinkers?
GH: They’ve got a 2013 Neyers Cabernet from Napa, or a 2005 Clerc Milon from Bordeaux.
RT: Winner-winner wine dinner haha. Now how about some wines for our friends that are looking to spend more on their ski pass than their wine selections?
GH: hahaha I totally feel that Robert. If you’re looking for some value wines on the Larkspur list, I would go with the 2020 Domaine Billard Chardonnay from Burgundy for a white, and for red, I would do the 2012 Arnat Roberts Syrah from the north coast of California.
RT: Awesome – and what about some bottles for those who are celebrating a special occasion?
GH: Gonna have to the Krug Grand Cuvee Champagne, and for a red wine – 1998 Haut Brion Premier Cru from Bordeaux
RT: Great choices - Grace thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list here at Larkspur. 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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