CorkRules - Episodes | The Lobster Club Lobster Club

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About this Episode

CorkRules takes a trip to the Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City where host Robert Tas explores the wine list with sommelier Michaela Quinlan to find the perfect pairings with sweetness and spice, the unique value wines, and the extraordinary bottles list. The Lobster Club is a Japanese Brasserie with an extensive wine list and is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi.

Wines reviewed include:

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Kruger-Rumpf, Riesling Kabinett 2017
Saint-Joseph, Chave Selection Offerus, 2017

Transcript: Lobster Club

Music Intro:

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 have you join us

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 The Lobster Club here in NYC. The Lobster Club is designed by acclaimed architect Peter Marino in the Seagram Building in the location once inhabited by The Brasserie.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their extensive wine list?

MQ: It certainly is extensive Robert! The menu at The Lobster Club features unique interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine in sharable portions. There are stand-out white wines, along with classic red favorites.

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

MQ: I love to begin with a classic – sparkling wine. They have a beautiful Prosecco on the by-the-glass list. The melon aromas and flavors in Prosecco are perfect when pairing with tempura and all things spicy.

Another stand-out on the by-the-glass list is the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Trebbiano is the name of the grape, from Abruzzo, which is located in the calf of the boot of Italy. The aromas of this white wine feature lemon and apricot. You will also pick up a hint of salinity on the palate. This is a result of the ocean breezes and Mediterranean climate in Abruzzo, making it a perfect pairing for seafood.

RT: Sounds delicious and a great way to kick things off.

So Michaela, in looking at their list there seems to some good variety, was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: Of course, staying with the wines by the glass, the Kruger-Rumpf, Riesling Kabinett 2017 from Nahe, Germany. The most important term in this wine description is “Kabinett.” This means it is the least sweet in German Riesling classifications. However, the freshness and faintest hint of sweetness is a wonderful consideration to pair with the wasabi lobster or spicy chicken yakitori. The opposite pairing of flavors, in this case sweetness and spice, balance flavors beautifully.

For our red wine drinkers, I would begin with a glass of Saint-Joseph, Chave Selection Offerus, 2017, from the Rhône Valley of France. The grapes are sourced from two parcels within St. Joseph, a renowned appellation in Northern Rhone. The silky tannins and spice of this syrah would pair well with their beef skewer or pork gyoza appetizers.

RT: These are some great calls. What if I’m looking for a bottle with dinner?

MQ: Such an amazing selection. I would begin with a unique white wine for the table. The Benjamin Leroux 2019 Aligote. Aligote is a white grape from Burgundy. Aligote, the sister to Chardonnay, is unoaked and exudes bright acidity – perfect for crab, scallops, and avocado – along with mineral and herbal notes. Definitely a crowd-pleaser at an excellent price.

RT: I’m a big fan of the aligotes myself.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.. any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: Of course. Back to our red wine selection, I would recommend the Domaine les Pallieres Les Racines, 2015 from Gigondas, France. We are all familiar with the importance of location, location, location. Gigondas is the neighbor to Chateauneuf du Pape in France’s Southern Rhone. While you share climate, soil composition, and spectacular grenache/syrah production, you only spend a fraction of their pricier neighbor.

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

MQ: Of course. Among the many stand-out selections, I am a fan of the Château d'Issan 2001 from Margaux, France. Margaux is located on the Left Bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux, where red blends are Cabernet Sauvignon dominate. The Right Bank of Bordeaux features blend that are Merlot dominant. Château d'Issan is one of the oldest wine-producing properties in Bordeaux. The blackcurrant and soft tannin will win over even the toughest client!

RT: I do like my wine with some age.

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate The Lobster Club’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 list reviews.

And finally, please drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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