Robert Allen Wine Launch

[jamiemaw]

Here's an interesting curiousity: Robert Sulatycky, a very talented chef who graced The Five sails, Century Grill, Bacchus, Four Seasons Toronto and Chicago, and who is now the executive chef at The Beverly Hills Hotel, has launched two small batch wines. According to the following [edited] press release, you can give them a spin at Bacchus:

"ROBERT SULATYCKY LAUNCHES HIS NEW WINE LABEL, ROBERT ALLEN, AT THE WEDGEWOOD HOTEL

Vancouver, British Colombia – Robert Sulatycky, former executive chef of Bacchus at The Wedgewood Hotel will launch his new wine label, Robert Allen, at Bacchus.

The Wedgewood Hotel will have an exclusive on Robert Allen Wines until January, 2006.

Sulatycky, now executive chef at the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills CA, is pursuing his life long dream to make wine and helping him to achieve this is consulting wine maker, Sarah Gott, formerly of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Quintessa.

Bacchus will feature the first two releases of Robert Allen wines – The 2004 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and the 2004 Lodi Zinfandel.

Production of Robert Allen Wines is limited, with only 91 cases of the Sauvignon Blanc and 244 cases of the Zinfandel. The winery will also produce a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (of which the first vintage) is aging in barrels and will be released in the fall of 2006.

Of the Sauvignon Blanc, Anthony Gismondi wrote in June 2005 “The first edition of his new wine venture – the Robert Allen Sauvignon Blanc – appears to be on the right track. It has a clean, aromatic nose with passion fruit, green melon, floral, grassy aromas and a touch of bell pepper. It’s fresh, round and crisp on entry, with a slightly oily texture and a hint of sweetness. Again passion fruit, grapefruit, melon and jalapeno flavors persistent. Fine styling and intensity – definitely made to enjoy with food.”

Sulatycky has set out to craft high quality wines, and still very much a chef at heart, wines that are truly food friendly.

This is a distinct offering of exceptional wines with a unique Vancouver connection."

[map]

We had a couple bottles of the Robert Allan Zin last night at Bacchus and our group were very impressed with the quality of the wine, very smooth no harsh after tastes. We decided to attack the white at our Christamas lunch next week.

[nwyles]

Before I rush out into the snow to get a taste of this, what was it selling for ?

[SBonner]

I'm with Neil; what kind of price are we looking at. The pedigree of the winemaker is there but I am always wary of ventures like this.

Cheers,

Stephen

[map]

The Zin was 85 for the bottle.

[jamiemaw]

As a treat for our hardworking Restaurant Awards judges, we served both the SB and the Zin at our business luncheon earlier this week. I enjoyed them both very much, as did others--and this was fussy crowd that numbered Sid Cross, Christina Burridge and many other whinies.

[barolo]

As a treat for our hardworking Restaurant Awards judges, we served both the SB and the Zin at our business luncheon earlier this week. I enjoyed them both very much, as did others--and this was fussy crowd that numbered Sid Cross, Christina Burridge and many other whinies. 

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At $85 for a bottle of Zin, you should have enjoyed it!

[Chef Fowke]

LOL! A lot more to this story to unfold...LOL!

...preface: congrats to Robert.