By Rick Riozza
Extra! Extra!—read all about it! The latest and greatest wine news in Palm Springs this season is the new and distinct wine list created by the owners of the wildly popular TRIO Restaurant.
TRIO already provides a wonderfully varied wine and inventive cocktail menu at the bar and dining room that lists well over 50 wines, by the glass or bottle. Indeed, it’s one of the best restaurant wine offerings in town. So why would this neighborhood eatery located in the Palm Springs Uptown Design District, continue to strive to deliver the vino of our dreams?
A rhetorical question—no doubt, but every wine lover I know is more than happy to have the opportunity to dine out and enjoy world class wine at an establishment that also focuses on providing their patrons the lowest “mark-up” price around. (and truth be told—wine people know which restaurants charge unreasonable wine mark-ups!)
So this special wine list is called the Wine Cellar. And as one can discern, this is a well thought-out and hand-picked selection from the finest vineyards and producers in Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast, Oregon, France, and Italy.
The Wine Cellar list has just come out, so I recently stopped by the restaurant to meet with the two honorary mayors of Palm Springs, owners Tony Marchese and Mark Van Laanen. These guys are always about town, involving themselves with charities, happenings and events that continually promote our business scene.
And it’s hard to imagine any other duo, but Tony and Mark at TRIO, putting together a stellar and impressive “in-the-know” wine list for our ever-thirsty wine appetites! I see these guys continually at all the wine-trade tastings and shows around the valley, so I know we are in good hands as to exciting and notable wine selections.
“We’re always enhancing the selection of menu items and beverages at TRIO, and the addition of these fine vintages from the TRIO winecellar elevates the dining experience for our guests,” says Tony Marchese, TRIO’s owner. “These are some of my favorite wines and they’ll pair nicely with our current seasonal offerings served in the dining room.”
Since opening in 2009, TRIO has been recognized as one of Palm Springs’ top restaurants and hot spots and is also listed as TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Percent of Restaurants Worldwide, as well as a Zagat highly-rated restaurant. Locals (TRIO’s regulars) love its varied menu combining traditional Midwest comfort food with a California contemporary edge like Yankee Pot Roast, Calamari with Thai Dipping Sauce, Braised Lamb Shank, Roasted Baby Beet Salad, and the rotating list of weekly dinner specials.
Currently, TRIO is promoting Prime Rib Tuesdays, where for only $26, a complete dinner of Herb Crusted & Slow Roasted Prime Rib, including delicious side dishes, are for the evening’s treat.
So let’s briefly entertain the Wine Cellar’s selections: The enchanting list includes the Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne Cuvee 2006 for anniversaries and very special occasions at only $290 per bottle ( the same price at the local market!). Already we see TRIO’s commitment to bringing the cost’s wine enjoyment to a new high—offering it at a record low price!
Does one ever see the famed Sea Smoke “Southing” Pinot Noir 2013 on any restaurant wine list at all—let alone for the outstanding offering of only $110! What a wonderful surprise to see Sea Smoke for an evening quaff. This elegant pinot from Santa Rita Hills shows all of its charms with a stunning bouquet of rose petals following with a palate of savory spices and lush lingering finish. Yum!
For you Nickel & Nickle wine fans, on the list is the 2013 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, $69, and the Branding Iron Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $130. Again, who’s finding these wines on any eatery’s beverage list! :
The Chardonnay’s passion fruit and floral aromas continue on the palate along with flavors of Muscat and Meyer lemon that’s enhanced by flint and stone. A pleasant suppleness adds to the mouthfeel, but its vibrant acidity cleanses the palate and adds a succulent quality that increases the desire to enjoy yet another sip.
The Cab owns the aromas of wild berry and forest—known already from this single vineyard wine. Earth and sage complement the fruit and give a depth of flavor on the mid-palate. The spicy oak and vanilla components add complexity, while the gentle tannins from this vintage are approachable now.
Anyone looking to European wines, there’s the Joseph Drouhin 2014 Meursault Burgundy, a dry wine with fantastic notes of honey and hazelnut butter—a Chardonnay for all seasons and reasons; and, for you Toscano aficionados, the Brunello di Montalcino, La Gerla, is such a special occasion treat at only $109.
Some other fun and tasty labels include the Clos du Val Stags Leap District 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; EnRoute 2013 Pinot Noir, Knights Bridge 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the WesMar 2012 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.
As the foodie and wine enthusiast can discern, a wonderful dining experience surely awaits us at TRIO. See you there!
Cheers & Bon Appétit!
Rick is the valley’s somm-about-town, entertaining and conducting at various wine events & tastings at select venues and restaurants. Contact him at winespectrum@aol.com
