CorkRules - Episodes | Robert Robert

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan joins host Robert Tas to review the wine list at Robert, a restaurant that sits atop The Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. Robert is a fresh, colorful, and vibrant space that offers impressive views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. From the wine list, Michaela identifies an excellent pairing with beef and rich sauces, a must-try modern classic, and a not to be missed Zinfandel. Additionally, she introduces a special occasion wine from a family-owned vineyard that has been producing wine since 1717 and is the pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy.

Wines reviewed include:

2017 Muga, Reserva, from Rioja
2019 Don Miguel Gascon, Malbec, from Mendoza, Argentina
2020 Groth, Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley

Transcript: Robert

Robert

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 list’s 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 Robert’s NYC. This modern classic restaurant is located above the Museum of Arts and Design and offers incredible views of Central Park. The interior design of the restaurant dining room and food presentation are forms of living art in their own right. Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Robert’s continues the theme of taking a modern spin on classics through to their wine list. We have another lineup of old-world and new-world gems to share with you today.

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

MQ: Let’s begin with a classic pair from Spain. One to consider would be the 2020 vintage of Martin Codax, Albariño from Rias Baixas. This dry, medium-bodied white wine is a great way to kick off your dining experience. The bright acidity, pear, green apple, and citrus make this wine incredibly food friendly.

RT: That’s a great start. Did any red wine jump out at you?

MQ: Of course! Another classic to consider would be the 2017 Muga, Reserva, from Rioja. Muga exemplifies the idea of a modern classic. They are a family-run winery since 1932 who continue to produce award-winning wines combining traditional winemaking with modern technology. The Tempranillo grape in this Reserva has been aged for a minimum of three years, at least one of which ages in oak barrels. Your aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, plumb, and fig, along with earth, smoke, and a hint of vanilla, make this wine an excellent pairing with beef and rich sauces.

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: Absolutely! Another modern classic is the 2017 vintage of Paul Hobbs, Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley of California. Paul Hobbs has been producing highly rated wines for over 30 years. His Chardonnay is layered with flavors and aromas of baked apple, honeysuckle, vanilla, along with fresh acidity. A perfect companion to tuna, salmon, and roasted chicken.

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 favorite, stand-out consideration is the Ridge, 2019 “Lytton Springs”, Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley in California. The bold flavors of plumbs, spice, and smoke make this red wine an excellent pairing for beef, and BBQ.

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: Two additional favorites jumped from the list that fall into my favorite quality and value category. First to consider would be the 2020 Groth, Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley. With bright acidity, citrus, grapefruit, and an herbal/grassy finish, this Sauvignon Blanc is a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly wine at an excellent price.

RT: I’m ready to open a bottle. What else caught your eye?

MQ: Another consideration would be the 2019, Don Miguel Gascon, Malbec, from Mendoza, Argentina. I am a fan of this Malbec for its full body, round tannins, and aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, blackberries, and spice, with a hint of chocolate on the finish. Another excellent quality and value wine.

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: A true classic to consider for a special occasion would be the 2017 Domaine Leflaive, Puligny Montrachet, from Burgundy, France. The Leflaive family began making wine in 1717 and is also one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. Puligny Montrachet, one of the top appellations in Burgundy, this complex Chardonnay layers bright acidy and minerality with citrus, pear, and green apple with notes of honey and vanilla. An exceptional addition to any event.

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