Christian O’Kuinghttons is the brilliant sommelier there. Following is some insight to his wine philosophy.
“In the evolution of the American palate for wine styles, we are moving from simplicity to complexity,” he said, and what’s going on in the American wine scene now is being guided by this generation of millennials. “They are looking for a depth of characteristics. They like a fruity wine with a long finish, and have a “more the merrier” attitude about flavor and aroma in a wine.”
Since 1996, Christian has been developing the impressive wine list. “That work has been like a ladder reaching up and up, and that is consistent with my temperament as I reach toward a joyful wine experience,” he said. “Our wine program receives awards all the time. We believe in 8 ounce pours, so that two glasses of different wines are generally sufficient to take a diner through a great wine experience with his meal. “
Christian searches for wines that come from small producers of beautiful grapes. “I meet winemakers and walk their vineyards. The winery that produces between 150 and 300 cases is of most interest to me,” he said. We tasted four such wines.
Evolution White, from Oregon, vintage 2011-2012. This is a blend of 9 different grapes: Pinot Grigio, White Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner and Chardonnay. It has a lush tropical yet crisp finish, and some flintiness. Taste is of dried fruits, like apricot. 12 percent alcohol.
