Whenever you're in a fine dining restaurant and perusing the winelist, it's always fun to ask if they have a Captain's List, sometimes referred to as a Reserve List or Sommelier's Selection.
Of course, there's the possibility that this list is only the $200-plus wines, which are great if the sky's the limit.
On the other hand, this list can be that wine professional's way of presenting some wines that are either obscure or hard to find, limited in production, have a WOW or bang-for-the-buck factor, or just be wines that he or she really wants to move.
At The Palm in West Hollywood, I created a small reserve list to highlight some wines that I thought exemplary and wouldn't be found just anywhere. I also wanted to put them separately to avoid being lost in the rest of the winelist.
Here is what I came up with for the Summer/Fall of 2011:
The Palm West Hollywood Reserve “Sommelier’s Selection”
Personally picked by your wine hosts Sean Ahaus and Jonathan Mitchell
WHITES
Brander Sauvignon Blanc "Au Naturel", Santa Barbara County, 2009- an excellent representation of what Sauvignon Blanc should be. Soft, slightly smoky, and grassy without being overwhelming. It's the free-run juice that comes out of the grape even before pressing. That juicy and ripe! Just $68
Gary Ferrell Chardonnay “Reserve” Russian River 2008 $72- Limited production, it is elegant and intense at the same time.
Talbott Chardonnay "Sleepy Hollow Vineyard", Santa Lucia Highlands 2009 $82- My idea of what Central Coast Chardonnay should taste like. Beautifully balanced.
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Reserve, Carneros 2008 $80. -This beats you about the head and neck with fury. Big, ripe tropical fruits balanced by toasty vanilla, coconut, and caramel notes. If you like that sort of thing. And I do.
Black Bart's Bride (Marsanne, Viognier, and Chardonnay) Napa Valley 2008 $70-
How often do you get the chance to drink white wines inspired by France's Rhone region? It is wonderful, peachy, melon-y, with hints of Lychee, yet still refreshing. And you don't have to refi the house to buy a bottle
Schlumberger Gewurztraminer "Kitterle" Grand Cru, Alsace, 2005 $100- As good as Gewurztraminer gets! This is a big, rich, almost-sweet expression from an ancient Grand Cru vineyard near the German border of France. THE best! Okay, so it's $100..
REDS
Summerland Pinot Noir "Odyssesy-Thurlstone", Edna Valley 2007 $69. -Love the way this wine balances the red fruit notes classic to Pinot Noir, with smoky earthy, vegetal notes. Silky!
Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2009, 90 pts WS, $85 -Super hard to get your hands on, Kosta Browne always over-delivers on gorgeous ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balancing the French Burgundian style with that of the best Sonoma producers. Thank you winemaker Shane Finley!
Remhoogt Estate “Bonne Nouvelle” (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage), Stellenbosch, SA 2006 $140 - This wine is a little expensive, as it is made by Michel Rolland the veritable "Midas" of the wine world. It's made in South Africa, where the wines can taste a bit "dirty" redolent of your fireplace or barbecue grill, according to some. This wine gives a touch of that, with the Pinotage in it, but is balanced by ripe, silky Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet. One of a kind!!
Blackjack “Harmonie” Red Wine Blend, Paso Robles, 2008 $168 -If you haven't had Central Coast Cabernets, you need to try this one. Unique and intense, a great wine for steak.
Fess Parker Syrah "The Big Easy", Santa Barbara County, 2004, 90pts WS, $72 - I love Syrah. Unabashedly. This one is rich, round, and juicy, and there just aint much around. Take advantage of it's great price, while you can.
Black Bart's Syrah, Napa Valley, 2007, 90pts WS, $105 - A spicy, drier style of Syrah, more like the French Rhone wines. Takes it's name from the gentleman bandit of yore. Great wine. Great story!
Shane Syrah "The Judge", Bennett Valley, 2008 $90. -Whoop, there it IS. Let this one open up and understand why the French are jealous of our climate. This one gives a nod to the French winemakers with it's herbal, spicy, black fruits, but opens up with an intensity and ripeness that is unique to our climate. Powerful. And again, will NOT break the bank!
Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005 $92- Iconic. Legendary. Historic. These words come to mind when you think of Heitz, the veritable wine of Napa Valley. This Cabernet is dark, brooding, and won't let you down. Pay homage to one of Napa's greats!
Ramey "Larkmead" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006 $120- Wine Guru David Ramey hit it out of the proverbial park with this one, as he continually does. This impressive Cabernet is not easy to find, but well worth the trip. Ramey 1, Wimpy Wine 0.
Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, 94 pts WS, $157 -You'll spend a little more at this point but the scores point to unprecedented complexity and concentration when you get to these wines. A relative newcomer to the Napa wine-producing world, Darioush has risen to become one of the most sought-after wines in California.
Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, 2008, 95 pts WS, $210 -Randy Lewis's motto is "Driven to create world-class wines", and this wine is definitely that! With it's rich and dense structure and layer upon layer of gorgeous ripe fruit, this wine IS dinner! Get it while supply lasts!
I hope this example inspires you to take a deeper look into your favorite wine list and/or try a wine you might not have otherwise ordered.
Take chances, try new wines, share it with friends, talk about it, and above all, have FUN with wine! :-)
