THE CHALK REPORT

Photo: Instagram. Bilt, or Bilked? Komodo Dallas at The Epic Falls Flat One of the advertised perks of the Bilt credit card is access to cardholder-only dining events. In January, I signed up for my first: a three-course prix fixe dinner at Komodo, the Miami-born Asian fusion concept now operating in Deep Ellum. It will also be my last. Would I return to Komodo? No. Would I sign up for another Bilt “exclusive” at a restaurant I hadn’t already visited? Absolutely not. Arrival:

Domäne Wachau Comes to Dallas by Andrew Chalk Austria continues to fly under the global wine radar — particularly in the United States. In sheer volume, the country produces barely a quarter of what California giant Gallo sells annually. Its focus is not scale but specialization: Grüner Veltliner accounts for roughly one-third of vineyard plantings, Riesling about five percent, and Zweigelt around thirteen percent. Together, these three grapes represent half of Austria’s tota

FROM THE WIRES... As mindful drinking continues to shape how we reach for a glass of wine, many consumers are embracing a dry-ish January – a more balanced approach that favors moderation without giving up the pleasure of a beautifully made wine. Brancott Estate Flight Song wines (SRP $14) has launched a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio at 9%ABV, created precisely for this moment.   From the pioneers who introduced Marlborough’s first Sauvignon Blanc to the world from New Ze

FROM THE WIRES... With “Heated Rivalry” dominating the conversation right now,  Tequila Corralejo  is tapping into that energy with their own  The   Heated Margarita  - a cocktail built around a rivalry of its own: fruit versus spice.   Juicy pomegranate brings richness and depth, while fresh jalapeño adds a slow-building heat, creating a balanced drink where sweet and spice push against each other, sip by sip.   Made with Tequila Corralejo Reposado, the cocktail is grounded

FROM THE WIRES... A limited-edition Knob Creek ® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, hand-selected by football legend Eli Manning, arrives nationwide in time for the season's biggest games CLERMONT, Ky., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2025-2026 football season reaches its pinnacle, Knob Creek ® , the founding spirit of the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a leader in American Whiskey, announces its second limited-edition barrel release, Knob Creek ®

FROM THE WIRES...

Lager's Next Big Tsing! FROM THE WIRES White Plains, NY (April 29th, 2025) -- Tsingtao, the #1 Chinese imported beer in the U.S., is excited to announce the launch of its Premium Lager in a new 24oz can, offering beer lovers an enhanced way to enjoy their favorite brew. The new, larger can delivers the same crisp, refreshing taste that fans love, now in a size perfect for a variety of occasions where you want more volume and convenience. Designed to maintain the distinctive T

FROM THE WIRES... As autumn deepens and the holiday season approaches, Quinta da Fonte Souto offers wines that beautifully bridge the two seasons, bringing freshness and warmth, elegance and depth. This exquisite Symington Family Estate property is THE renowned Port producer's first vineyard outside of Portugal’s famed Douro region. Nestled high in southern Portugal's Serra de São Mamede mountain range in Portalegre, an Alentejo sub-region, Quinta da Fonte Souto is celebrate

FROM THE WIRES... The signature weekend features exclusive winery access, intimate tastings, and a Taste of the Neighborhood highlighting a selection of Yountville’s acclaimed restaurants. Stags Leap District, Napa, CA, January 15, 2026 – Each spring, the Stags Leap District Winegrowers welcomes guests for one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after wine weekends. Returning April 24–26, 2026, Vineyard to Vintner invites wine enthusiasts to experience the renowned American Viticult

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS,  UNVEILING NEW EXPERIENCES AND A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE APPELLATION St. Helena, Calif. –  November 12, 2025 – As the wine world prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the pivotal 1976 Judgment of Paris,  Spring Mountain Vineyard , one of the seven legendary Napa Valley wineries that participated in the historic blind tasting, is thrilled to announce a year-long celebr

By Andrew Chalk When the venerated Michelin Guide arrived in Texas in 2024, it marked the beginning of a three-year "pay-for-play" partnership between Travel Texas, five major cities, and the world’s most prestigious culinary arbiter. The $2.7 million investment was designed to cast a global spotlight on the Lone Star State’s evolving food scene. Two years in, the data suggests the state has received an exceptional return on investment. As we enter the final year of the initi

FROM THE WIRES... Highlights include returning Festival favorites and the world premiere of The Judgment of Paris , a new opera by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer   Multiday Patron Passes Now on Sale Napa, California (December 16, 2025) – Festival Napa Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary July 4–19, 2026, with a lineup featuring international stars and emerging talent. Passes for the Patron Experience, available now for July 10–19, offer access to renowned wineries, luxury res

by Andrew Chalk A lot of good pinot noir is coming out of California but this one is exceptional. 2023 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyards Roberts Road ($74) Notes from the producer: Vineyard & Winemaking: The Sangiacomo family has been a trusted partner for years, farming their Roberts Road Vineyard in the windswept Petaluma Gap with incredible precision. The region’s persistent wind thickens grape skins, bringing extra color and flavor intensity to Pinot Noir. We co-fermente

A logo that would never lead you to believe that THIS was D Magazine by Andrew Chalk D Magazine has released its list of Best New Restaurants of 2025 , and the omission of Sauvage  is impossible to ignore. Sauvage, which opened in late August, is among the most ambitious—and expensive—restaurant debuts of the year. It offers complex, multi-course tasting menus that demand technical precision, conceptual coherence, and serious culinary intent. Yet it is nowhere to be found on

FROM THE WIRES... Dynasty Spirits Unveils a New Tequila Portfolio, Launching Now Across Texas Already awarded a Gold Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition 2025    Dallas, TX – October 28, 2025 — Dynasty Spirits is proud to announce the launch of Pezuña Blanca Organic Tequila, a bold new name in premium small-batch tequila, now available in 400 + retail locations across Texas . Crafted under Tequila Las Americas, NOM 1480, from 100% USDA-certified organic Blue Webe

FROM THE WIRES... In 1997 , a new chapter began in the story of a family that had been linked for generations to the land and to its traditions of wine production: siblings Adamaria, Innocente and Guido Nardi , moved by a profound respect for the past and a bold vision for the future, decided to carry on the legacy of their parents and founded the La Farra wine estate. We are on the Prosecco Road, in the heart of the production region of Conegliano Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. , wh

FROM THE WIRES... An Exceptional Territory and an International Vision Perched on the hills between Greve in Chianti and Panzano, Vecchie Terre di Montefili is one of the most intriguing wineries in the Tuscan wine landscape. Founded in 1975 and acquired in 2015 by Nicola Marzovilla, Frank Bynum, and Tom Peck Jr., three American entrepreneurs united by a deep passion for the Italian territory, the winery stands out for its innovative and sustainable approach to wine productio

FROM THE WIRES... Sip Your Way Through North Texas This Winter Embark on a month-long wine tasting adventure this February through March 1st ! Explore ~40 award-winning North Texas wineries and taste over 100 wines , all at your own pace. For just $49 (plus fees), your Wine Trail passport grants you a minimum of 3 tastings at each participating winery —a total value of over $400 in tastings! Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique winter ge

FROM THE WIRES... Formerly Paraduxx, the evolved space welcomes guests to discover expanded tastings and seasonal pairings  created by Culinary Director Dominic Orsini    Napa Valley, CA (December 17, 2025) – A new chapter of hospitality is unfolding at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx. Long known for its relaxed beauty and inviting atmosphere, the destination has been reimagined to offer guests the chance to explore an expanded range of Napa Valley wines. With the debut o

Texas' most awarded vineyard, Newsom Vineyard, Plains, Texas by Andrew Chalk On November 21, 2025, James Suckling’s eponymous wine-review website published a report on Texas wines. The tastings were conducted by Jim Gordon, Editor-at-Large, and Brian Freedman, Staff Writer and Critic (hereafter collectively referred to as “Suckling”). According to the article, they visited wineries in the Texas Hill Country and noted that they also spent time in the Texas High Plains. In tota

by Andrew Chalk

by Andrew Chalk

Chicken Paillard (Photo: Dan Padgett) FROM THE WIRES... Downtown destination offers mindful lunches, wellness-forward dishes, and zero-proof cocktails for a post-holiday reset DALLAS, TX  (December 18, 2025) -   As Dallasites step into the new year, Mirador  invites guests to reset and recharge with vibrant, health-forward dining  in the heart of downtown. Whether returning to office life, leaning into January wellness goals, or simply seeking a scenic setting to reconnect wi

by Andrew Chalk Big news. Cured was one of the first national-quality restaurants in San Antonio and set a standard for others to follow. FROM THE WIRES... Cured: A Pearl District Icon Closes After 13 Remarkable Years After 13 extraordinary years at the center of San Antonio's Pearl District, Chef Steve McHugh announces that Cured will not be continuing its lease and will close its doors, January 4, 2026. Since opening in December 2013, the restaurant has been a fitting cent

by Andrew Chalk Many Texas winemakers are held in high esteem, but Texas winedrinkers have a special place for Bill Blackmon.

FROM THE WIRES... Award Winning Reposado Tequila Gift Set The perfect set to say ¡Salud! with. Inside you’ll find our iconic Reposado bottle plus four tequila glasses hand-blown from the very same glass used to craft the bottle itself. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, double distilled, and aged four months at Hacienda Corralejo - this set turns any gathering into a special occasion. Color: Light straw Aroma: Sweet vanilla, honey, spice, hints of oak. Tast: Lemon-lime, pepperc

Concept courtesy Boom Supersonic By Andrew Chalk Boom Supersonic, the startup that has promised a Mach-1.7 successor to the Concorde since 2014, recently issued a press release that was a masterclass in corporate "misdirection." On the surface, the news looked like a victory lap: Boom secured $300 million in fresh funding (at a $1.5 billion valuation) and inked a massive $1.25 billion deal to sell stationary turbines to Crusoe, a data center startup. CEO Blake Scholl painted

FROM THE WIRES... With the clock ticking down to the holidays, many are scrambling for perfect gifts at the last minute, and we know food lovers are often the hardest to shop for. That’s why America’s Test Kitchen is a holiday gift goldmine this season, offering everything from cookbook collections and cooking kits to memberships and kitchen gear — many available for quick shipping or digital delivery, making it perfect for the last minute. A few ideas for some top last-minu

FROM THE WIRES... J Vineyards 2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ( SRP: $40 ): Made from the cool climate of the Russian River Valley, this Chardonnay is the perfect cozy white, with appealing aromas of citrus, toasted hazelnut, and gingersnap. Your readers’ palates will be pleasantly surprised with the smooth pineapple and pear flavors that transition to a crisp finish, making it a go-to white wine.  Sample.

by Andrew Chalk This year saw the arrival of two national wine scoring publications in Texas. James Suckling  and Decanter  magazine (the former has actually done some coverage before). Supporters of Texas wine could hardly have asked for a more uplifting set of scores. Both rating services gave the top wines scores in the mid 90s, equivalent to a global-platform Gold Medal in Decanter’s case, or “ 95-99 points: An extraordinary ‘must buy’ wine that you would want to drink t

FROM THE WIRES... Bedford, Texas (December 17, 2025) – DQ restaurants in Texas are ringing in the holiday season by celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day across the Lone Star State. On Friday, December 19 , guests who show up wearing an ugly sweater can enjoy a FREE mini Blizzard Treat , at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. This one-day offer is available exclusively through the DQ app and must be redeemed in person.   There is no better time to bundle up in your favorit

FROM THE WIRES... Following on from our review of their chardonnay... Carmel Valley Estate Outpaces National Wine Trends With Strong Velocity and Category Gains CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. (December XX, 2025) — Bernardus Winery is proud to report exceptional national performance, significantly outperforming key U.S. wine category trends in the latest Nielsen XAOC 52-week period ending October 4, 2025. Total U.S. sales reached 19% increase in volume representing a 15.6% increase in

by Andrew Chalk Regarding the misrepresentation of this wine as a Texas wine. A complaint has been filed with the Office of The Attorney General, State of Texas. TCP-020991 Mano's Wine Spanish below - Español abajo ANDREW CHALK , Thank you for filing your complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Texas Attorney General. Your complaint number is TCP-020991. The Consumer Protection Division will review your complaint and may contact you if additiona

by Andrew Chalk Auteur is celebrating the season this year with a limited-edition Holiday Gift Box, ’The Wild Coast Auteur Collection’  honoring the bounty of the Russian River Valley. The keepsake holiday gift box includes:  - Auteur 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Auteur 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir - Locally grown Chandler walnuts from certified-organic Double A Walnuts, which nods towards the Russian River Valley's agricultural roots - An heirloom nutcracker  - A house

An ideal Champagne for the holiday season by Andew Chalk Champagne Pommery may be the ideal style and price point for Champgne this holiday season. It has breed, balance, complexity and refinement. The distinctive blue label can be found all over Texas. Enjoy! TASTING NOTES NAME: Champagne Pommery, Brut Apanage COMMENTS APPEARANCE Clarity clear Intensity medium Color lemon NOSE Condition clean Intensity medium ;plus Aroma Characteristics Yeast, meyer lemon, pear,   PALATE Swe

This Wine, found at Costco, is named after Texas but contains no Texas grapes. by Andrew Chalk This Wine, found at a Costco in Texas, is named after Texas but contains no Texas grapes. This misleads the consumer, steals sales from Texas winegrowers, and lowers Texas farm incomes. Costco should refuse to go along with this "legalized fraud" and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton should file charges against the producer for deceptive trade practices.

P:hoto cfredit: Jenna Vanzant Collective FROM THE WIRES... DALLAS, TEXAS (November 17, 2025) – Perched atop the beautiful Dallas skyline, Mirador  invites guests to celebrate the season with its Modern Holiday Tea , offered on select dates throughout November and December. This festive tradition pairs panoramic city views with a curated three-course tea experience, seasonal cocktails, elegant flights , and Mirador’s signature   caviar service. “We’re thrilled to welcome guest

by Andrew Chalk A recent visit to the Texas Hill Country gave me a chance to try some of the latest releases in their ever-expanding vineyard-designated lineup. With Jon Gruenhagen of their tasting staff leading the way, treating the occasion like an oenological jam session, improving without fear, I and an anonymous winemaker (known simply by his numeronym “r8y”) worked our way through some of their latest releases. Some general observations: The winery now produces six bran

FROM THE WIRES... As we head into the season of cozy gatherings and golden-hour dinners, Bernardus Winery has something truly special to share, a Carmel Valley grown Chardonnay that captures the essence of autumn, paired with a dish that makes it shine. Introducing the 2023 Ingrid’s Vineyard Chardonnay (SRP $55) , a limited-edition bottling from the estate vineyard planted directly in front of the Bernardus Lodge (the winery and lodge are separate entities, but share this s

Inside the Hidden Cellar at TWC. Password? by Andrew Chalk With a 250-mile journey to Fredericksburg from Dallas it is no-brainer for me to sign up for the elevated tastings to try to make the most of the journey. The latest was the Hidden Pour  at the Texas Wine Collective (TWC). The TWC describes this (paraphrasing) as “...a special, reservation-only tasting experience at the Texas Wine Collective, where guests enter through a secret door for an intimate session with rare p

Maple-glazed Pork Osso Bucco FROM THE WIRES... Husband-and-Wife Team Chris & Bonnie Borges’ Mid-City Neighborhood Restaurant  On Saturday, November 22, 2025, husband-and-wife culinary and hospitality veterans Chris and Bonnie Borges opened Charmant , the latest addition to Mid-City’s dining scene that channels the easy elegance of a European bistro through a distinctly New Orleans lens. Located at 514 City Park Avenue , Charmant showcases modern European flavors, a robust wi

by Andrew Chalk TL;DR : Harmonious, complex, richly flavored pinot noir from Anaba Wines with just enough structure to position this wine for pairing with a multiplicity of food options. Try with duck, pork, and sauced pasta dishes. One of the best pinot noirs I have tasted this year, a year of lots of strong contenders. BACKGROUND FROM THE WINERY TASTING NOTES NAME: Anaba 2022 Pinot Noir, Felix Hunter Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, CA COMMENTS APPEARANCE Clarity clear Intensity Me

by Andrew Chalk One of my earliest encounters with Pedernales Cellars  was on June 11th, 2016 when I organised a ‘mega-tasting’ of 19 Texas Viognier . Pedernales Cellars 2012 Viognier Reserve, Texas High Plains  emerged the winner. Later that year, at another mega tasting, but of Texas tempranillo , Pedernales Cellars 2011 Tempranillo, Reserve, Texas  beat out 22 other contenders to win the top prize. In both cases the judges were sommeliers, educated palates, and they tasted

by Andrew Chalk If you like a good-value Pinot Noir then Cedar_Salmon is an Oregon producer that is always worth a look. This release is widely available now in time for holiday celebrations. Expect it to pair with a wide range of food. DETAILED TASTING NOTES NAME: Cedar+Salmon, 2023 Pinot Noir, Willamette Vallley, OR COMMENTS APPEARANCE Clarity clear Intensity Medium Color Ruby NOSE Condition clean Intensity Medium-plus Aroma Characteristics Raspberry, savory notes, forest f

by Andrew Chalk On a long weekend trip to the Hill Country last week I stopped in at the spectacular building that houses Michael Ros Winery  at the invitation of Tasting Room manager Ron Moore. Winemaker Tim Drake was taking a cruise, after a tough harvest season but he has just released two interesting wines that were not available on my May trip. The Envisage 2022  is their Bordeaux blend. Cabernet Sauvignon 36%, Merlot 43%, and Malbec 21%. Full-bodied with stout tannins,

FROM THE WIRES... Imagine this scene: friends and family gathered, laughter filling the air, and the delicate bubbles of  Campo Viejo Cava Brut   (SRP $13) dancing in their glasses. In Europe, Cava is more than a celebratory toast; it's a versatile partner, elegantly savored from the initial refreshing aperitivo through dinner and festive lunches. Its vibrant acidity and lively fruit notes make it an excellent pairing for a wide range of cuisine. As the holiday season draws

Seasonal Crudo FROM THE WIRES... Downtown Dallas’ sky-high dining destination introduces autumn flavors, indulgent brunch favorites, and a reimagined Afternoon Tea DALLAS, TEXAS  (October 23, 2025) – Mirador , perched above Forty Five Ten with sweeping views of downtown Dallas, is celebrating the flavors of fall with refreshed weekday lunch , indulgent Saturday brunch,  and a reimagined Modern Afternoon Tea . Highlights include chef-driven seasonal dishes, a prix fixe lunch m

FROM THE WIRES... Oregon Named 2026 Featured Region at the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition   Oregon Wine Board celebrates 211 award-winning Oregon wines honored at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR)   Portland, Ore. — (November 24, 2025) —  The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) , the statewide organization supporting Oregon’s wine community, is proud to announce that Oregon has been selected as the 2026 featured region for the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Co

2025 wines made with optically-sorted grapes ready to sniff by Andrew Chalk The great thing about visiting Inwood Estates Vineyards  is that owner/winemaker Dan Gatlin is a factory of innovative ideas around the quest to make better wine out of Texas grapes. These  innovations have included him adopting high altitude vineyards in the Texas High Plains. Being one of the first wineries in the United States to order new cabernet sauvignon and merlot clones out of Bordeaux Univer

by Andrew Chalk This family Piedmonte producer has created a solid example of Barolo with this wine. Producer notes are: TASTING NOTES NAME: Josetta Saffirio 2020 Barolo, DOCG Del Commune Di Monforte D'Alba COMMENTS APPEARANCE Clarity clear Intensity Medium Color Garnet NOSE Condition clean Intensity Medium Aroma Characteristics Cooked red fruit (strawberry), leather, violets, black pepper. PALATE Sweetness dry Acidity Medium plus Tannin medium, green, coarse Alcohol medium B