Somm Wine Club May 2022
May 11, 2022
Wine Notes by Richard DeAngelis, Sommelier and Owner
‘Tis the season of celebrations, and we’re bringing you two wines that are perfect for you to enjoy in any setting.
Le Mesnil sur Oger, Blanc de Blancs | Brut NV
One of the most frequent asked questions I receive is – by far – “what is your favorite wine?” The long and the short of it? Champagne is the one wine that I would choose forever if I had to only choose one. (I am fully aware that many disagree, but I am convinced they have never experienced great champagne – how unfortunate!) Nothing says,“ Let’s CELEBRATE!” like popping a cork (or several) of champagne! (I am fairly certain that I have never opened just one.)
And let’s be clear, champagne is not Tott’s or Cava, nor would you ever dream of layering it with orange juice. Champagne is champagne because of the “terroir” (the impact of place, soils, climate and so much more). Champagne enjoys a unique soil composition of chalk developed from ancient marine deposits. (Chablis has a similar sub soil). I could go on and about champagne, but let me jump into this month’s feature: Le Mesnil….
- Established in 1937
- Heart of the Blanc de Blancs region
- All grande cru vineyards / 100% chardonnay
- Average production for all their cuvées is 5,100 cases
The best way to enjoy this bottle, particularly if you’ve not experienced champagne, is to invite me over. I can demonstrate how to open, pour, and of course sip. One of the many reasons I love this particular wine is for its universality; it’s an instant statement that fun is about to ensue! Pop a second bottle and you’ll find that it pairs particularly well with most cheese and charcuterie plates, oysters, and chilled shrimp. The third bottle swings well (and so will you) with delicate sauté dishes finished with butter sauces and capers, or even a wood-fired, bone-in pork chop.
Justin “Isosceles” | 2019 | Paso Robles
Since Justin’s inaugural batch of wine in 1987, they’ve become synonymous with outstanding California wine – particularly their Bordeaux styled blend, Isosceles.
In the beginning it was Justin Baldwin, an investment banker from Los Angeles who purchased 160 acres in Paso Robles and shaped his dream into, well…a dream. (After all, when he began, there were only five wineries in Paso.) He worked the tractors, planted the vines, and nursed the project into not just one of the top wineries in the region, but top wineries globally. (***Pro-tip: if you’re heading to Paso, be sure to check out their on-site inn and restaurant.)
In 2010, Justin sold to the Resnick family and became a brand ambassador. The brand never slipped from being a quality-first wine; and it has appeared on wine lists of nearly every top steakhouse.
- The Resnick’s purchase allowed the winery to invest in purchasing actual vineyards instead of fruit. This has resulted in more quality control and even more consistency in the wine.
- One of the top-rated wines of California, the Isosceles is 79% cabernet, 11% cabernet franc, 10% merlot
- These wines are barrel aged for 21 months, in new French oak
While this wine is cellar worthy to be sure, it shows up ready to impress if you want to enjoy it now. I recommend a thick protein; ideally bone-in New York Strip, rubbed with Ethos coffee, garlic, salt and pepper and just a dash of pink pepper corn.
Le Mesnil sur Oger, Blanc de Blancs | Brut NV
One of the most frequent asked questions I receive is – by far – “what is your favorite wine?” The long and the short of it? Champagne is the one wine that I would choose forever if I had to only choose one. (I am fully aware that many disagree, but I am convinced they have never experienced great champagne – how unfortunate!) Nothing says,“ Let’s CELEBRATE!” like popping a cork (or several) of champagne! (I am fairly certain that I have never opened just one.)
And let’s be clear, champagne is not Tott’s or Cava, nor would you ever dream of layering it with orange juice. Champagne is champagne because of the “terroir” (the impact of place, soils, climate and so much more). Champagne enjoys a unique soil composition of chalk developed from ancient marine deposits. (Chablis has a similar sub soil). I could go on and about champagne, but let me jump into this month’s feature: Le Mesnil….
- Established in 1937
- Heart of the Blanc de Blancs region
- All grande cru vineyards / 100% chardonnay
- Average production for all their cuvées is 5,100 cases
The best way to enjoy this bottle, particularly if you’ve not experienced champagne, is to invite me over. I can demonstrate how to open, pour, and of course sip. One of the many reasons I love this particular wine is for its universality; it’s an instant statement that fun is about to ensue! Pop a second bottle and you’ll find that it pairs particularly well with most cheese and charcuterie plates, oysters, and chilled shrimp. The third bottle swings well (and so will you) with delicate sauté dishes finished with butter sauces and capers, or even a wood-fired, bone-in pork chop.
Justin “Isosceles” | 2019 | Paso Robles
Since Justin’s inaugural batch of wine in 1987, they’ve become synonymous with outstanding California wine – particularly their Bordeaux styled blend, Isosceles.
In the beginning it was Justin Baldwin, an investment banker from Los Angeles who purchased 160 acres in Paso Robles and shaped his dream into, well…a dream. (After all, when he began, there were only five wineries in Paso.) He worked the tractors, planted the vines, and nursed the project into not just one of the top wineries in the region, but top wineries globally. (***Pro-tip: if you’re heading to Paso, be sure to check out their on-site inn and restaurant.)
In 2010, Justin sold to the Resnick family and became a brand ambassador. The brand never slipped from being a quality-first wine; and it has appeared on wine lists of nearly every top steakhouse.
- The Resnick’s purchase allowed the winery to invest in purchasing actual vineyards instead of fruit. This has resulted in more quality control and even more consistency in the wine.
- One of the top-rated wines of California, the Isosceles is 79% cabernet, 11% cabernet franc, 10% merlot
- These wines are barrel aged for 21 months, in new French oak
While this wine is cellar worthy to be sure, it shows up ready to impress if you want to enjoy it now. I recommend a thick protein; ideally bone-in New York Strip, rubbed with Ethos coffee, garlic, salt and pepper and just a dash of pink pepper corn.