Episode 4 – Moai Oh My! Easter Island Uncorks a New Tradition

Explore the latest in the wine world, from the top wine lists in Las Vegas to the innovative wine delivery systems and new wine regions like Easter Island and Mâconnais. Dive into how French winemakers are battling mildew and discover must-visit wine spots that might surprise you.

Table of Contents

  • Top Las Vegas Wine Lists: Wine Spectator highlights 13 of the best wine lists in Las Vegas for 2024, including Delmonico Steakhouse and Joël Robuchon Restaurant, with each offering extensive wine selections and varying corkage fees.
  • French Winemakers vs. Mildew: Heavy spring rains have led to increased mildew threats in French vineyards, with growers facing added costs but managing the situation with significant effort.
  • US Wine Regions & New Innovations: USA Today features 10 must-visit wine regions, notably excluding Napa and Monterey; new innovations like The Vino Barrel’s wine delivery system compete with existing technology.
  • Easter Island Wine Appellation & Mâconnais Region: Easter Island is now a recognized wine appellation in Chile, and Burgundy’s Mâconnais region is praised for its exceptional Chardonnays, with recommendations for specific wines and tasting experiences.

Wine News Round-Up

13 of the Best Restaurant Wine Lists in Las Vegas – Wine Spectator

Picasso is missing from the list, as it is closing on August 16th after 25 years at the Bellagio. Julian Serrano is retiring and closing the restaurant. But here are Wine Spectators favorite Vegas Restaurants for 2024:

  1. Delmonico Steakhouse – The Venetian Resort

  2. Joël Robuchon Restaurant – MGM Grand Hotel

  3. Restaurant Guy Savoy – Caesars Palace

    • 2800+ Bottle Wine List

  4. Bazaar Meat – SAHARA Las Vegas

    • 700+ Bottle Wine List

  5. Carbone – ARIA Resort and Casino

    • 600+ Bottle Wine List

  6. Lotus of Siam – 620 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas

  7. Michael Mina – Bellagio Hotel and Casino

    • 500+ Bottle Wine List

  8. RIVEA – Delano Las Vegas

  9. Scotch 80 Prime – Palms Casino Resort

  10. Spago by Wolfgang Puck – Bellagio Hotel and Casino

  11. T-Bones Chophouse & Lounge – Red Rock Resort

  12. Wally’s – Resorts World Las Vegas

  13. Zuma – The Cosmopolitan

We will be visiting all of these restaurants over the next few months…  Stay tuned for our reviews. (Someone has to do it!!)

French winemakers renew battle with mildew in 2024 – Decanter

Heavy rain has created conditions that allow mildew to pose a threat. According to the national weather agency Météo France, the spring of 2024 has been the wettest since 2008 and the fourth wettest on record. “It rained a lot, and often, everywhere,” the agency reported, except for some areas near the Mediterranean and Pyrenees.

The bottom line is that most growers think they have managed the situation, but not without significant additional costs.

Let’s not forget that winemakers are first and foremost… Farmers.

Explore 10 must-visit wine regions in the US for a grape getaway – USA Today

Hmmm. There is no Napa, no Carmel, or Monterey. Sonoma is number 9, and Temecula is number 2. What is going on at USA Today?

New Wine Delivery System – The Vino Barrel

A new wine delivery system is going up against Napa Technology’s  WineStation Series.

This is cool-looking, but it takes up a ton of space. I’m not sure what kind of adoption they will get, but I sure would like one in my house.

Easter Island Joins the Wine World – Wine-Searcher

Easter Island, the remote volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean known for its monumental statues, has officially been designated a wine appellation (Denominación de Origen, or DO) by the Chilean government. As part of several measures adopted this week, wines produced on the island, located approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,100 miles) from the central Chilean coast, will now bear the Rapa Nui DO title. Rapa Nui is the indigenous name for both the island and its people.

Earlier this year researchers published a paper on Wild grape vines of Easter Island, revealing that Easter Island has hosted at least six different grape varieties since the 19th century, with multiple vineyard sites spread across the island.

Mâconnais 2022/2023: Don’t Pass Me By – Vinous

The Mâconnais region of Burgundy, France, is known throughout the wine world for producing exceptional Chardonnays that are both elegant and rich.

The region gained its appellation status in 1936 and currently encompasses just over 2,000 acres of vines. The soil is limestone and clay, and the cool temperatures create the perfect growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes.

● Famous regions in Maconnais include:
Macon.

● Macon-Villages.

● Pouilly-Fuisse.

● Pouilly-Loche.

● Saint-Veran.

Be sure to check out our review of  2017 Barraud Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays, a wonderful example of what the region has to offer.

Wine & Winery of the Week

The Chateau Montelena Tasting Room

This is a beautiful property, but if you go for a tasting, skip “A Taste of Montelena,” as we found it not worth the money. You stand at a bar in a gift shop, and they pour you some wine. Splurge and get one of the curated experiences; it will be worth it in the end.

Chateau Montelena & Their Famous 1973 Chardonnay

If this subject interests you, then be sure to read  George M. Taber’s Judgment of Paris. Mr. Taber was there for the tasting and provides a fantastic firsthand account.

2021 Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay

If you want to taste a bottle of the wine made by the winemaker in the same style, then head over to Grgich Hills and pick up a bottle of their Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay. It is very good. Is $125 good?  Well, you be the judge of that.

Restaurant and Corkage of the Week

Fuego Cocina del Valle: A Relaxed High-End Restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe

Fuego Cocina del Valle is a high-end restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, that serves relaxed Baja cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere and both indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. There is no corkage fee, so you can bring a bottle from your afternoon of wine tasting in Valle.

If you are heading to Valle de Guadalupe, be sure to check out our guide to the region’s restaurants and wineries.

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