CorkRules - Episodes | Morton's The Steakhouse Mortons

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas dive into the wine list at Mortons, a classic American steakhouse that can accommodate any occasion of any size. The wine list offers bottles that range from household name bottles to wines from the more exclusive producers. Michaela identifies the value cabernets on the list that are perfect for pairing with steak as well as the high-end Chilean wines, and beautiful vintages of sauvignon blanc that will delight the budget-conscious oenophile.

Wines reviewed include:

Rombauer chardonnay, Carneros, California, 2019
Santa Julia Reserva malbec, 2015
Chateau Saint-Sulpice Bordeaux, 2017

Transcript: Mortons

Mortons, NYC

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 Morton’s. International steakhouse over 40 years. Classic American steakhouse located on 5th Ave, with the ability to accommodate intimate dining for two, meetings, boardrooms, to large events. Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: With the history of this classic steakhouse, it is no surprise that each location consistently receives the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. We will be discussing several of the today. Don’t forget to check out their spectacular wine bar as well.

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

MQ: Let’s begin with some classic wine for this classic menu. To start, I would consider the Rombauer chardonnay, Carneros, CA 2019. This oaked chardonnay is extremely well balanced. Enjoy the bright acidity, green apple, citrus, along with the baking spice, vaNULLla on the finish. A wonderful pairing with rich sauces, tuna, and salmon.

RT: That’s a great start. What else jumped out at you right away?

MQ: Another classic to pair with Morton’s incredible menu would be the Santa Julia Reserva malbec 2015 from the Uco Valley of Argentina. Aromas and flavors of plumb, blackberries, fig, with earth, nutmeg and a hint of violets. A wonderful companion for steak or lamb.

RT: That is for sure unique.

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

MQ: Yet another classic is the textbook cabernet sauvignon Napa 2017. This wine is always a winner. Rich and smooth with blackberries, cassis, ripe black cherries, plumb and a smooth finish with clove and nutmeg. This wine is truly a perfect steakhouse cabernet.

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: Another consideration would be the Chateau Saint-Sulpice Bordeaux 2017. This Bordeaux blend consists of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet granc. The perfect balance of ripe red fruit, raspberries, blackberries, along with the earthiness from the Cabernet Franc. It is medium to full-bodied, a definite crowd-pleaser, and a perfect pairing with steak or rich sauces.

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: Another beautiful vintage, the Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma 2020. A dry and warm growing season brings us a spectacular sauvignon blanc that showcases bright acidity, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and aromas of freshly cut grass. A wonderful aperitif, as well as a perfect complement to goat cheese, salads, and shellfish.

RT: For me personally…

MQ: Absolutely!

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

MQ: Another special selection is the Montes Purple Angel Carmenere 2017 from Chile. Montes is the leading producer of high-end wines in Chile. The Carmenere grape, originating in Bordeaux and thankfully made its way to Chile, or it would have been lost due to Phylloxera, an insect that would attack grapevine roots, in the 1880s. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, cherries, smoke, leather, earth, green peppercorns, bell pepper, with a hint of mint on the finish. This is a wonderful pairing for steak, pork, or any sauces with mint. Another wonderful addition to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Morton’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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