Lunch Tasting at Il Gattopardo Restaurant

by Mike Cutino June 30, 2022

written by Mike Cutino June 30, 2022 0 comments

The tasting lunch took place at Il Gattopardo restaurant 13-15 West 54th Street on May 4. It was sponsored by Notre Vue Estates Winery and Vineyard, notrevueestate.com.

Tasting notes were written by Patricia Savoie, a wine and food writer. Edited by Ron Kapon, Nightlife Magazine travel, food, wine & spirits editor.

The wines are made in the European style, focusing more on finesse and purity, rather than over-extracted grapes and copious oak.

BALVERNE SAUVIGNON BLANC Chalk Hill 2019 and 2021 ($27)

Fresh and crisp, with grapefruit and a hint of lemongrass. Refreshing for a warm-summer meal.

BALVERNE CHARDONNAY Russian River 2019 ($35)

This wine was aged in French oak barrels and it shows a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Full-bodied, with melon and lemon hints.

BALVERNE PINOT NOIR Russian River 2019 ($45)

Lovely cherry aromas. Its nine months in oak gives it good structure. It’s a bit earthy and spicy with a dash of pomegranate that will make it a favorite.

BALVERNE MALBEC Chalk Hill 2019 ($45)

A blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot gives this wine a lush, soft presence. Hints of violets and a plummy aftertaste.

BALVERNE ZINFANDEL Russian River 2019 ($30)

A blend of Zin plus three other grapes. Cranberry and cinnamon come to mind. Easy to drink.

BALVERNE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Chalk Hill 2019 ($48)

A well-made Bordeaux blend with Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc was added. Black cherry and currants show up. Great with steak and lamb.

NOTRE VUE ROSE chalk Hill 2020 ($29)

A really fine blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that has weight in the mouth. Its orange and lychee notes make it perfect with grilled foods.

NOTRE VUE CHARDONNAY Russian River 2019 ($49)

Lush and fruit-forward, with notes of honey, lemon, and pear.

NOTRE VUE CHARDONNAY MUSQUE Russian River 2020 ($36)

This is an unusual French clone 809 of Chardonnay. It has a pronounced aroma with white flowers and apple and pear notes.

NOTRE VUE GSM RED Chalk Hill 2019 ($69)

A classic Rhône-style wine made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This is one of the winery’s most popular bottles. It has nice cherry notes with hints of cedar and pine.