Thoughts on a red and a white to order for the table (11)?
Most are casual wine drinkers.
Probably would like to keep it under $100/bottle unless some fantastic deals on the list.
My somewhat go-to for restaurant list reds is Cain Cuvee, as it is relatively inexpensive and a general crowd pleaser. The Cain Cuvee is the NV16 at $80.
If your guests are “casual wine drinkers”, I might go with the ZD Chardonnay at $78, and the Hourglass Blueline Merlot at $105. Both of these wines should have wide appeal and I think your guests would love them…I would be interested to know what you end-up choosing
Given the breakdown of the peeps in attendance, id go with the Hanzell Chardonnay and the Hartford zin. Both under your price point and should be appreciated across the board
I would order the Brocard Chablis and a red from Italy or Spain. Maybe the Caparzo BdM if $117 is still OK. Maybe the Pesquera or one of the Riojas (e.g. either of the La Rioja Alta wines).
I am a big fan of the 2015 Masi Costasera and I tend to find Amarone is enjoyable to less serious wine people as they tend to not be looking for subtle wines. It is a bit higher than you wanted to spend though at $130
2016 Lamole di Lamole | Gran Selezione | Chianti Classico should be great and sub $100.
The 2016 Caparzo Brunello wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Personally I would pick between these depending on what people are eating. I will defer to others for a white though.
We are doing a semi-set menu. Dessert choices are Cheesecake, Chocolate Sin Cake, or a personal size of the Butter Cake. Would be surprised if anyone chose anything but the Butter Cake.
Something that might be a head turner for a casual wine drinking would be the 2020 Merry Edwards SB($85)…little richer with exotics, tad sweetness, yet plenty citrus cut. And this is a steakhouse right…so 2018 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon($130) (94pts VN btw) is always a go to in that range.
How about going all French? I think that looks a little different and interesting when you’re at a business dinner with folks that might not encounter that as often. And I think these would both be really good wines in that range.
How about:
WHITE: Albert Bichot | Domaine Long-Depaquit | 1er Cru | Les Vaillons 2018 (Chablis) $105
RED: Château Boutisse 2016 (St Emilion) $90
I like the Hanzell Chardonnay pick, and then with the savings maybe the 2010 Laurel Glen Cab? Great traditional producer, and at least a bit of age on it.
I’ve not tried it, but as you mentioned casual drinkers, I wonder whether a Pinot Grigio from a decent producer might be fun to get them to try
64923 Terlato | Pinot Grigio | Friuli 2019 60
or if not, an Albarino
87343 Pazo das Bruxas | Albariño | Rias Biaxas 2019 50
This might appeal for dessert
65998 Michele Chiarlo | Nivole | Moscato d’Asti | Piedmont 2020 54
Struggling for a red, finding the Italian selection uninspiring. Rioja is a possibility and often a safe option. Otherwise I’m oddly drawn to Ridge’s petite syrah