February: Chianti, Italy

For February, our journey took us to the Tuscan hills of the Chianti region in Italy. Chianti is typically a blend made predominantely with the sangiovese grape. Will started the night with a light and delicious caprese salad. Then made us a wonderful chicken parmigiana that paired perfectly with tonights wines.


Tonights Line-Up:



2005 Nipozzano Frescobaldi Chianti Riserva
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Dry with hints of heavy plum, spice and oak. High acid with fine tannins. Not a power house but subtle and medium to light bodied. Decant.
Avg. Points: 88


2006 Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Velvet and rich with hints of tobacco and oak. Dark jammy berries come through once it opens up. Decant.
Avg. Points: 90+




2006 Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Nose full with cedar and spice. Fresh cut sawdust and haybarn are evident. Earthy.
Avg. Points: 88+



2006 Santa Margherita Chianti Classico
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Big nose with forrest floor, fresh cut grass, and hints of black fruit. Wood, black cherry and candied on tongue once it opens up.
Avg. Points: 90 (Best Nose)


2006 Toscolo Chianti
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Raspberry with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. Fruit forward nose with a candied tongue.
Avg. Points: Wide Range - 80+ to 90.

Tonights damage....

January: Champagne, France

What better was to kick off the innagural Dallas Cork Crew than with a little bubbly? The northeastern region of France is home to the champagne provence and the sparkling wine that bears its name. The history of Champagne is rich with tradition which you can explore in more detail HERE.

We started the evning with a feast fit for a king! Sam prepared a phenominal menu.



First Course:
Roasted Almonds
Old Dutch Master Gouda
Black Creek Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Second Course:
Scrambled Eggs w/ Shrimp
Thin Crust Roasted Garlic White Sauce Pizza with Mushrooms and Spinach

Third Course:
Spicy Wok-Fried Chicken w/ Chili's
Curried Potato Wedges

Forth Course:
Fresh Berries

The spread:

Tonights delicious line-up:

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Light with hints of almonds.
Points: 89





Duval-Leroy Brut NV
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Group Tasting Notes: Green apple with a citrus nose.
Avg. Points: 90








Taittinger Lafrancaise Brut NV
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Light bodied with hints of fresh bread, citrus and green apple.
Avg. Points: 89




Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: Dry with hints of almonds and yeast.
Avg. Points: 90








Charles Mignon Brut Rose Premiere Cru NV
Website - Purchase
Group Tasting Notes: No notes.
Avg. Points: 90



Until next time. Cheers!

The Crew

Welcome to the Dallas Cork Crew. We're a group of like minded individuals who enjoy good wine and good company. We've come together to expand our palates and try a variety of grapes from around the world. Our journey will take us from France to Italy to Oregon to New Zealand and pretty much every where in between. Each month is a new grape and a new region.

Meet the Crew:

Will Bailey












Mike Brady








Sam Kamler












Jared Moise

Jason Straub