Rob The Somm, Frisco, TX (2025)

02/09/2025

🍷 2019 Adolph Mueller Niersteiner Gutes Domtal Spätlese 🍷
Golden in the glass, this 2019 Spätlese from Adolph Mueller is a sweeter, fruit-forward delight from Germany’s Rheinhessen region.

🍑🍏 The nose bursts with ripe peach, honeyed apple, and a hint of citrus zest, while the first sip reveals a beautifully balanced sweetness with crisp acidity. ✨

Flavors of juicy apricot, honey, and a touch of minerality make this wine a perfect pairing for spicy Thai cuisine or a rich cheese board. 🧀🔥 The finish? Smooth, elegant, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. 🍯

⭐ A fantastic value for lovers of German Riesling-style wines! Sweeter than a Kabinett expression…yet balanced for sipping or pairing.

01/30/2025

🍇 Louis Jadot 2021 Petit Chablis 🍷

Louis Jadot is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Burgundy winemaking, with a reputation for producing wines that are accessible, high-quality, and true to their terroir. Jadot, a negociant and a vineyard owner, produces wines from both their own estate-grown grapes and those sourced from trusted growers across Burgundy.

✨ Bright, crisp, and undeniably refreshing, this Petit Chablis is pure elegance in a glass. With its pale straw color and delicate minerality, it showcases all the charm of Chardonnay from Burgundy’s northernmost vineyards.
👃 On the nose: Fresh citrus notes of lemon and green apple, layered with hints of white flowers and wet stone.
👅 On the palate: Crisp acidity meets flavors of grapefruit, pear, and a whisper of honeysuckle, finishing clean with a subtle saline touch. The perfect balance of vibrancy and finesse!
🌟 Pairing suggestions: Oysters, goat cheese, or a simple grilled fish with lemon butter. 🍴
📍 Final thoughts: A fantastic introduction to Chablis at a great value. Cheers to Louis Jadot for delivering another classic! 🥂

01/26/2025

🌿✨ A Glass of Elegance from Chavignol 🍇🍷

Yes, recently I’m going long on Sancerre and last night, we had the pleasure of tasting the Yves Martin Chavignol Sancerre, and it did not disappoint!

Crisp and lively, this Sauvignon Blanc delivered a perfect harmony of citrus zest, green apple, and a flinty minerality that speaks to the heart of Loire Valley winemaking. 🌞🌾

Perfect on its own or paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh seafood, it’s a true celebration of sophistication in every sip. 🧀🍋🦪

wine list kills it again.

Here’s to more moments of discovering incredible wines! What’s your favorite wine discovery lately? Share below! 🍷👇

01/21/2025

🍇 Savor this Sancerre 🍇
What a tasting experience with the 2023 Hubert Brochard Sancerre, a wine that perfectly embodies the elegance of the Loire Valley. 🌿✨
 This beauty came from the Loire Valley (aka the “Garden of France”) and is famed for its rolling vineyards, historic châteaux, and exceptional winemaking heritage. Sancerre, nestled in this picturesque region, produces some of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc, celebrated for its purity and expression of terroir.

🍷 Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Bright citrus, white flowers, and a touch of minerality.
- Palate: Crisp, zesty lemon and grapefruit, balanced by a silky texture and vibrant acidity.
- Finish: Refreshing with a subtle flinty edge.

🍽️ My food Somm and I paired this absolute winner with a “why the hell not” after dinner vibe!

in Chicago killed it yet again all around. Let’s toast to the timeless charm of Sancerre and the enchanting Loire Valley. Don’t miss this exceptional vintage! 🥂

01/18/2025

🍷✨ “Elegance in every sip”
Back with my food Somm for Tonight’s pour:
2019 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde – a true expression of Rhône Valley excellence. 🌄🍇

This blend of Syrah with a kiss of Viognier (4%) dazzles with notes of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, and violet, woven with whispers of smoky bacon fat, licorice, and a touch of oak spice. The balance is impeccable, with velvety tannins and a long, savory finish that lingers like a warm embrace. 💜🔥

🥂 Pairing notes: It’s divine alongside lamb chops, 12oz filet or the undeniable Butcher’s Cut.

🍇 Crafted with passion by the legendary Guigal family, this wine is a testament to their dedication to Côte-Rôtie’s heritage and terroir.
📖 Fun fact: The “Brune et Blonde” in its name pays homage to the two slopes of Côte-Rôtie – “Brune” for the dark, clay-rich soils and “Blonde” for the light, sandy ones.
Cheers to the perfect marriage of power and finesse!

🍷✨
What’s in your glass tonight? Drop your favorite Rhône recommendations below! 👇🍷

01/10/2025

Pierre Henri Morel Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Blanc 2022 ✨

Just tasted the Pierre Henri Morel Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Blanc 2022, and it’s nothing short of exceptional!
🌟 This beautifully crafted white wine shines with notes of fresh peach, citrus zest, and a whisper of floral elegance. The crisp acidity and smooth, mineral finish make it as refreshing as it is refined.

30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 30% Viognier and 10% Clairette

Perfect for pairing with seafood, creamy pastas, or simply enjoying on its own as a little slice of heaven. Highly recommend for white wine lovers seeking something truly special! 💛🥂

01/01/2025

Sip & Savor: 2019 Domaine Courbis Cornas La Sabarotte 🍷
✨ Calling all Rhône lovers! Today’s tasting features the exquisite 2019 Domaine Courbis Cornas La Sabarotte—a rich, full-bodied Syrah that’s a testament to Rhône Valley perfection. 🍒 Ripe black cherry & plum 🌿 Hints of black olive & herbal undertones 🪵 A touch of smoky oak and earthy minerality
👄 On the palate, this wine offers bold structure, silky tannins, and a long, luxurious finish. A perfect pairing for roasted lamb, hearty stews, or simply on its own as a show-stopping centerpiece.

📖 Fun Fact: La Sabarotte is one of Cornas’ most revered vineyard sites, known for its steep granite terraces that produce exceptional, age-worthy wines.

🍷 Cheers to discovering new favorites—let me know your thoughts if you’ve tried this beauty!

12/26/2024

🍷 Christmas Dinner: SALDO Zinfandel 🍇

Craving the perfect pairing? Saldo Zinfandel and filet mignon are a match made in heaven! 🤩

This bold, full-bodied red boasts deep dark berry flavors, blackberry jam, and subtle hints of black pepper. The mocha and vanilla notes from oak aging elevate the experience, making it the ideal companion for the tender richness of filet mignon. 🖤🍽️

Treat yourself to this indulgent duo—because you deserve it. 🌟

Do a better job than I did on the cork, though. 😀

12/23/2024

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of leading a truly special French inspired wine tasting, featuring an incredible lineup of vintages and truly excellent people to share it with.

The tasting took us across France’s finest wine regions. Each bottle told its own story, with distinct character and unforgettable flavors. Here’s a glimpse of the evening:

🍾 Pommery Grand Cru Vintage Brut Champagne, 2008 Effervescent elegance with notes of citrus, brioche, and a touch of minerality—an exquisite start to the night.

🍷 Domaine Pascal Bouchard Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru A benchmark Chablis—crisp and refined with vibrant acidity, flinty minerality, and layers of green apple and white flowers. As absolute mastery of Chablis from the famed Les Clos vineyard.

🍷 Delas St Joseph St Epine, 2016 A Rhône Valley gem showcasing deep blackberry, violet, and peppery spice with velvety tannins. Utterly captivating.

🍷 Chateau Giscours Margaux, 2020 A young Bordeaux with elegance and power, offering rich red fruit, cedar, and a hint of violet. Decanting revealed its true depth.

🍷 Chateau Larcis Ducasse St Emilion, 2019 A masterful St. Emilion—luxuriously textured with notes of black cherry, mocha, and earthy undertones.

Thank you to everyone who joined me for this unforgettable evening of discovery and delight. It’s always a joy to share my passion for wine with truly fantastic people. Cheers to many more glasses shared! 🥂

12/17/2024

🍷✨ What an unforgettable tasting experience! 🌟 I had the pleasure of guiding a group through a journey of incredible wines that showcase diverse terroirs and winemaking artistry. Here’s what we sipped and savored:

🍾 Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs A vibrant sparkler with notes of crisp red apples, brioche, and a hint of minerality—a perfect start to awaken the palate!
🍇 Vincent Lumpp Givry Clos du Cras Long Premier Cru Burgundy elegance in a glass! Layers of cherries, earthy undertones, and silky tannins made this Premier Cru unforgettable.
🦉 Neethlingshof The Owl Post Pinotage South Africa brought its signature flair with this rich and smoky Pinotage. Juicy dark berries, mocha, and a touch of spice—an absolute crowd-pleaser!
🇺🇸 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, 2021 From Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir delivered finesse and balance, with bright red fruits, floral hints, and a seamless finish.
🐇 Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir New Zealand magic! This playful Pinot Noir charmed us with its vibrant acidity, raspberry notes, and a touch of wild herbs.

💬 What’s your favorite region or wine from this list? Let me know in the comments! Cheers to exploring the world one glass at a time. 🥂

12/02/2024

2 beauties for Thanksgiving:

Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Laurene 2021 A beautifully expressive Pinot Noir that showcases the elegance of the Oregon. The 2021 vintage is vibrant and aromatic, with layers of red berries, subtle earthiness, and a touch of spice. Silky tannins and a balanced acidity make it incredibly smooth on the palate, with a long finish.

Château Pierre de Montignac Médoc Bordeaux 2021 A fantastic value Bordeaux with great depth and structure. The 2021 Château Pierre de Montignac offers ripe black fruit flavors, hints of to***co, and a smooth, well-rounded finish. With its well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity, it’s a classic, approachable Médoc that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. A solid, elegant choice.

11/25/2024

Tasting Season is bringing it. We journeyed through some of Italy’s finest with some of the finest people!! ✨ Donnachiara Fiano di Avellino – a crisp white with vibrant citrus and floral notes. ✨ Conte Fini Pinot Grigio Alto Adige – fresh, elegant, and beautifully balanced. ✨ Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino, 2018 – a rich, velvety red with bold character. ✨ Renieri Invetro Super Tuscan, 2019 – a lush blend of tradition and innovation. ✨ La Montina Brut Franciacorta – sparkling sophistication to start or finish.

09/07/2024

Castillo Clavijo Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2015.

Stunning expression of Spanish winemaking. Rich aromas of dark berries, leather, and subtle oak. Deep plum and cherry flavors, complemented by earthy notes and a hint of spice.

Muted and not overpowering tannins and balanced acidity create a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for pairing with lamb or aged cheese.

A true gem from the Rioja region of Spain…it’s worth savoring. Always love me some Tempranillo!

Cheers Y’all!

08/02/2024

Just wrapped up my time with the 2017 Da Vero Carignano, and I’m absolutely in love.

This wine offers a perfect balance of rich dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice that lingers beautifully on the palate. The velvety texture makes it incredibly smooth, while its complexity keeps each sip interesting.

Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty meal or enjoying it on its own, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and grab a bottle! Cheers!

07/16/2024

2020 Bedrock Zinfandel from Ridge Vineyards

94% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 13.6 ABV.

Love the blackberry, black pepper and big plum flavors. The oak was beautifully maintained and the rich flavors didn’t get lost in the typical high alcohol content of Zinfandels.

This was an absolute beauty from Sonoma. A huge thanks to my buddy Aaron for introducing me to this magnificent expression. Cheers!

07/01/2024

After introducing themselves…This is the first thing any Sommelier SHOULD say when approaching your table.

06/07/2024

My “Food Somm”, Jay did it again with a great call for dinner at . Great patio & menu, impeccable service, top notch company and yes the wine! We had a beauty…

2020 Jean-Pierre Grossot “Fourchaume” Premier Cru Chablis

What a patio/summer wine! Excellent green apple, lemon, hints of oak and that beautiful Burgundy Chablis marker…oyster shell. Fantastic balance and a beautiful finish to match everything else. If you get the chance, drink it now! Cheers y’all!

05/25/2024

The 2021 Domaine Bachey-Legros Chassagne-Montrachet

In short, Burgundy Chardonnay. If you’d like some more…Southern Village AOP within Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune sub region. Grows predominantly Chardonnay with a bit of Pinot Noir as well.

If you enjoy minerality in your wine, this is for you. I knew it was coming, but it was still a bit much for me. Had some nice acidity, nice fruit character. A great spring patio wine. Cheers!

Rob The Somm