MalibuKen

Hey, dude, wake up. It's a wine bar. No credible wine bar publishes a list of wines with no vintages. Vintages are square one, understand? Vintages of imported wines, especially, are not something you sweep under the table. Rhone varietals coming out of California have absolutely nothing to do with the same varietals from France for many reasons. California viognier versus good Condrieu is a no brainer. Condrieu wins every time. The sparkling wines available, for a wine bar, are pedestrian at best. Prosecco but no Franciacorta? Unacceptable. I wonder which restaurants you are referencing.

I do agree on the vintages, thats why I never mentioned vintages. my point was to the content of the list, new world and old world PRODUCERS, and varietals not vintages. As far as Condrieu beating Cali, for sure, thats why I mentioned that wines can be better in the old world. Prosecco to most is pedestrian, but sparkling wines by the glass dont have to be, Proof pours Krug... not too pedestrian.

I have never found Tablas Creek wins to be the least bit interesting, I have found it more like an over-extracted version of a Rhone blend. Jaffurs Roussane, another pale imitation of wine that can be found far cheaper from Rhone, Lytton Springs great if you like Zin blends, I don't. I would agree that the Muscat is interesting, but not enough to get me to pay a visit.

But also the list lacks any vintages, what vintage of the Berthet-Rayne CDP should I assume they are pouring? The latest vintage? Or maybe they are going to try and pass-off some 2003 as something worth drinking.

But your point that there are some interesting choices is valid, but I would say that out of the 60+ wines by the glass I can count those on one hand.

Great so we know what your palate is in search of, but guess what, your not everyone. Wine lists should be appealing to all levels, whether you're new to wine or you have a ton of experience. I happen to like Rhone varietals coming out of Cali, they show newcomers what's out there, and it forces them to learn where these wines come from and what they can truly be. There are far too many lists these days focusing on only one level of knowledge or another. I commend them for going neutral, and letting people choose what's best for themselves. With wine bars like this and Proof, perhaps someday everyone in DC will know that red Burgundy is Pinot Noir.