Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting <a href="https://www.67pallmall.com/the-london-club/">67 Pall Mall,</a> an elite private members&#39; club in London that caters exclusively to wine enthusiasts. Nestled in a grandiose building steeped in history and charm, this establishment offers a rich gastronomic experience for all its patrons.

The Food:

Dining at 67 Pall Mall is akin to indulging your senses in an array of culinary delights. The menu was thoughtfully curated with dishes designed not just for their standalone merit but also how they pair beautifully with wines. From delicate canap&eacute;s to hearty mains and decadent desserts, each dish was crafted exquisitely using high-quality ingredients sourced locally.

The Wine Program:

The heart and soul of 67 Pall Mall lie undoubtedly within its extensive wine program &ndash; one that boasts over four thousand different labels from around the globe. Their highly trained sommeliers guide you through this labyrinthine list with grace and knowledge. Whether you&#39;re a novice or seasoned connoisseur, there&rsquo;s something incredibly satisfying about discovering new vineyards or vintages under their expert guidance.

What sets them apart is not only the diversity of their collection but also their impressive storage capabilities which allow them to house these thousands of bottles under optimal conditions ensuring perfect preservation.

Service &amp; Vibe:

Atmosphere plays a crucial role when it comes down to enjoying fine dining paired with exquisite wines; thankfully, this aspect has been mastered by 67 Pall Mall as well. With impeccable service that strikes the right balance between attentiveness without being intrusive along with an ambiance reminiscent of old-world sophistication mixed subtly with modern chicness - it&rsquo;s hard not be enamored by it all!

Global Presence:

Beyond London&#39;s historic St James district where it first opened doors back in December 2015 lies its international presence across Bordeaux, Beaune, Singapore, and Melbourne. Each location maintains the same high standards of service while reflecting the unique cultural nuances of their respective regions.

Comparison with Soho Franchise:

While both 67 Pall Mall and Soho franchise cater to an elite clientele seeking a refined experience, there are notable differences. Where Soho clubs tend to lean towards a broader spectrum of interests including arts, film and media; 67 Pall Mall is unabashedly dedicated to wine enthusiasts providing them with an unparalleled selection along with educational events hosted by industry experts.

The Need for Private Wine Clubs in New York:

Given New York&#39;s vibrant culture and its plethora of enophiles, it&#39;s surprising that private wine clubs like 67 Pall Mall aren&#39;t more prevalent here. Establishments such as Wing-Tip in San Francisco have demonstrated how these venues can become social hubs for those passionate about wines - combining education, appreciation and camaraderie under one roof.

Being part of a community like this not only expands your understanding but also refines your palate over time &ndash; making every sip you take thereafter a testament to your evolving sophistication. As I left the hallowed halls of 67 Pall Mall that evening - satiated yet yearning for more - I couldn&rsquo;t help but feel grateful for having been part of such an enriching experience. Here&rsquo;s raising my glass hoping many more will get to enjoy this oenophile&rsquo;s paradise!

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting 67 Pall Mall, an elite private members' club in London that caters exclusively to wine enthusiasts. Nestled in a grandiose building steeped in history and charm, this establishment offers a rich gastronomic experience for all its patrons.

A Connoisseur's Sojourn to 67 Pall Mall - An Exquisite Oenophile's Paradise

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

No. 9 Park

Michaela Quinlan

No.9 Park

No. 9 Park:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;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&hellip; 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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about No 9 Park located in historic Beacon Hill in Boston. This fine dining destination features French and Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list to match. Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: France and Italy are some of my favorite old-world destinations. Their list is as extensive as their number of awards, from earning the AAA Four Diamond rating, to the James Beard Award for their wine list. We have several wonderful selections for you today, many of which are featured in half bottles as well.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine that jumped out at me was the 2016 Trimbach Muscat from Alsace. Right from the start, I am always excited to see which Trimbach wines are featured. Here we have the muscat grape, like riesling, can be produced from dry to sweet, and even sparkling. The Trimbach muscat, however, is bone dry with aromas of white flowers, and flavors of apricot, tropical fruit, with a creamy, nutty finish. A perfect pairing for spicy dishes.

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 &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: A must try is the 2019 Haut Vigneau, Brodeaux Blanc, from Pessac-Leognan. This white Bordeaux is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that features aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, and grapefruit, with a fresh, mineral finish. This wine would complement cheeses, shellfish, and seafood.

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: One to consider would be the 2019 Gros&rsquo;Nore Ruge, from Bandol in Provence. The tiny Bandol appellation produces spectacular Rose and red wines made almost exclusively from Mourv&egrave;dre. If you have been eyeing some of the richer dishes on the menu, this is the wine to consider with aromas and flavors of blackberries, black pepper, and earth, along with a note of lavender on the finish.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Of course! The first to catch my eye was the 2020 Ganeta Getariako Txakolina Blanco, from the Basque region of Spain. The grape varietal is hondarrabi zuri, and is a beautiful, light, white wine featuring aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon zest, minerality, and a touch of saline on the finish. A wonderful companion for lighter fare, and seafood.

RT: That sounds refreshing. Did anything else stand out?

MQ: Absolutely, The 2018 Chateau du Hureau Saumur-Champigny from the Loire Valley in France. This wine consists of one of my favorite red grapes, cabernet franc. Originally a blending grape in Bordeaux, I find the single varietal cabernet franc from the Loire is truly a stand-out, value wine. It is well balanced with aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, blueberries, and blackberries, with an earthy finish. A wonderful pairing for savory and herbed dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Since No 9 Park is certainly a special occasion destination, I have two recommendations to share. Of course, a true classic Champagne from Piper Heidsieck, the NV Brut. This critically acclaimed Champagne is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay resulting in aromas and flavors of ripe green apple, brioche, with a note of spice on the finish. Truly a classic for any special occasion.

RT: A stellar Champagne producer. What else would you recommend?

MQ: If you are looking for an Italian red to compliment your special event, one to consider would be the 2016 Moretti Omero Sagrantino di Montefalco Vignalunga, from Umbria. This Sagrantino features aromas and flavors of ripe cranberries, ripe red cherries, with notes of plumb and earth. A wonderful pairing for richly sauced pastas and herbed dishes.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate No 9 Park&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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: <a href="mailto:Info@CorkRules.com">Info@CorkRules.com</a> 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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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End

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Sharecropper's is a family-owned winery based in Columbia Valley, USA. They specialize in producing high-quality, affordable wines that showcase the best of the region's terroir. Founded in 2007, the winery has since grown to become a respected name in the industry, with a reputation for producing exceptional wines that are both approachable and elegant.

Rustic wine bar offering cheeses, charcuterie & upscale American entrees in a brick-walled space.

GlenArbor

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Kurant

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2021

Malbec

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Barone Fini

Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2021

Pinot Gris

Italy

Delas

Saint-Esprit Cotes-du-Rhone 2021

Blend

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Ramón Bilbao

Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo) 2019

Tempranillo

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Dr. Konstantin Frank

Riesling Reserve 2021

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Anton Bauer

Wagramterrassen Gruner Veltliner 2021

Gruner Veltliner

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Vina Robles

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Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mer Soleil

Silver Chardonnay 2021

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California, USA

Skyfall

Merlot 2018

Merlot

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Château d'Esclans

Whispering Angel Rose 2021

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Benvolio

Prosecco NV

Glera

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La Crema

Monterey Pinot Noir 2021

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Vina Robles

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

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Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2018

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Black Stallion

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