THE CHALK REPORT

FROM THE WIRES... PRESS RELEASE Hendy's on Henderson Becomes Dallas' Pre-Match, Watch Party and Post-Match Destination During Summer's International Soccer Tournament Dallas neighborhood destination welcomes fans from around the world with extended hours, match-day viewing, specialty offerings, and the best seats outside the stadium DALLAS, TX (June 17, 2026) – As Dallas prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors, athletes, and soccer fans this su

by Andrew Chalk Lenz Moser, from the renowned Austrian winemaking family, is well known in the European wine industry. He previously served as CEO of Robert Mondavi Europe before the winery was sold to Constellation Brands. Now he is doing his own thing. This is his new Grüner Veltliner ($20 per 750ml bottle, pictured in 1500ml format), in his New Chapter label. I tasted it and it is a great white wine for our incipient hot Texas summers. Lenz Moser (left) and Max Huber (wine

FROM THE WIRES... American Whiskey Brand Invites Public to Join the Bear Fight and Own a Stake in a Growing Category INTERVENTION... TASTING NOTE by ANDREW CHALK I had a chance to taste a sample and can heartily recommend this single malt whiskey. The nose is seductively sweet with notes of caramel, toffee, clove, and toasted pecans. On the palate it is surprisingly smooth. RALEIGH, NC (FEBRUARY 5, 2026) – Bear Fight Whiskey, the bold award-winning line of American whiskey,

FROM THE WIRES... To celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Independence Edition, a limited-edition expression of our iconic 9-year-old bourbon featuring a blue wax seal and patriotic red, white, and blue label, joining a commemorative collection alongside Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Founded in 1992 and named for the Kentucky creek at Abraham Lincoln's childhood home, Knob Creek was created by sixth gen

FROM THE WIRES... Espolòn's Extra Añejo will be available for purchase nationwide in the U.S. and on espolontequila.com (for delivery in select markets), just in time for Father's Day NEW YORK, June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Espolòn Tequila, one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the U.S., introduces Extra Añejo, a new release that adds new depth to the brand's portfolio. Produced in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, the expression builds on Espolòn's signature agave-forwa

Photo: Emma Kruch FROM THE WIRES... Blanc de Noir and Rosé debut anchor a new season at the Russian River Estate, with expanded events and a more dynamic culinary program Healdsburg, CA (June 9, 2026) – This summer, Auteur is entering the world of sparkling with a fresh point of view. Guided by its Rogue by Nature spirit, the winery is building on the momentum of its Russian River Estate opening and new Burgundy project, accelerating into a new phase with the debut of its fir

by Andrew Chalk I recently had a chance to meet Davis Bynum winemaker Greg Morthole who took me through a tasting of some of his wines. They are better than ever, comprising Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from numerous vineyards in Sonoma County. Chardonnay First up, two vintages of their Chardonnay. The Davis Bynum 2023 Chardonnay ‘River West Vineyard’, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA ($24). And the Davis Bynum 2024 Chardonnay ‘River West Vineyard’, Russian River

FROM THE WIRES... MIGHTYLICIOUS Online Summer Savings: CELEBRATESUMMER10 INDEPENDENCE10 July 4th & Summer-times Gluten Free Recipes Enclosed Available on AMAZON, MIGHTYLICIOUS GF website & retail stores nationwide (Wood-bridge, NJ, JUNE 15, 2026) -- As summer entertaining season kicks into high gear, hosts are looking for easy, delicious ways to satisfy guests with a variety of dietary preferences. Award-winning Mightylicious Gluten Free is helping make summer gatherings a li

I have a suspicion that the Burger Schmurger float has a salvage title FROM THE WIRES... The Dallas burger favorite will once again fire up the grill on a custom parade trailer before welcoming guests to a post-parade celebration DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – Burger Schmurger is bringing the sizzle back to the Lake Highlands Fourth of July Parade, returning for its third consecutive year with a burger-grilling parade trailer, festive giveaways and a community celebration tha

by Andrew Chalk World famous for their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards has expanded its winemaking to embrace other grapes, areas of California, and wine types. Nowhere was this more on display than at a recent tasting at Fort Worth’s luxury Crescent Hotel (more about the hotel here) where I attended as a media guest. We started with Emmolo 2025 Sauvignon Blanc ($25). Grapes hail from Solano County (67%), Lake County (20%), and Napa County (13%). Perhaps most inter

Photo: Maple Hospitality Group FROM THE WIRES... A dazzling evening of sky-high dining and fireworks views across the city from the 49th floor of The National DALLAS, TX (June 11, 2026) – As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Monarch invites guests to commemorate Independence Day this Saturday, July 4th from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the city at Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a highly anticipated Fourth of July celebration that pairs patriotic spirit w

Stephanie McIntyre FROM THE WIRES... Appellation Marlborough Wine Appoints Stephanie McIntyre as Chief Executive Officer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marlborough, New Zealand - Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) has announced the appointment of Stephanie McIntyre as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an important milestone as the organisation continues to strengthen the integrity, visibility and value of Marlborough wine. With over 20 years of experience living and worki

Sagrada Familia is one of the most spectacular buildings created by mankind -- and only took 144 years to finish. FROM THE WIRES... Hotel Arts Barcelona invites guests to discover one of the city’s most remarkable new vantage points: the reimagined Skyline Suites, offering sweeping views of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ or Torre de Jesús - the tallest and most symbolic element of Gaudí’s vision, will be marked by a historic

FROM THE WIRES... Spring is officially in the air (finally!), and with it comes the traditional German biergarten season – long tables, soft pretzels, sunshine, and of course, great beer. And it doesn’t get more authentic than Paulaner USA. From the crisp and classic Münchner Lager to the citrusy sparkle of Grapefruit Radler, the bright bite of Pils, and the smooth, cloudy finish of Hefe-Weizen, there’s a Paulaner can for every biergarten moment. Whether you’re clinking stein

FROM THE WIRES... New White Wine Portfolio Honors Almost a Century and a Half of History, Heritage, and Innovation in American Winemaking LIVERMORE, Calif. (April 23, 2026) – Wente Family Vineyards, America’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery, is proud to introduce Cresta Blanca, a thoughtful revival of one of California’s first and most historic wine labels. Launching today, the collection focuses on a portfolio of white wines that bridge Cresta Blanca’s

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 5: Compere Lapin (Chef Nina Compton) Dish: Roasted Jerk Corn Tip: Whether you’re grilling or roasting corn, balance sweetness with a little heat, acidity and crunch to make your summer corn stand out, like using a jerk butter with a tangy mayo and ranch breadcrumbs. Website: http://comperelapin.com/ Photo: Sara Essex Bradley

Emilia's by Andrew Chalk Next to the Kimbell Art Museum, at the back of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, one block down from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. That location puts the Crescent Hotel in the epicenter of the Fort Worth Cultural District. Its 5* amenities make it the ideal place to stay when visiting. Front view of the Crescent Hotel The 200-room hotel, in a modern building at Camp Bowie Boulevard and Van Cliburn Way, opened just over two and a half yea

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 4: The Bower (Chef Marcus Woodham) Dish: Whipped Feta Tip: Whipped feta is a perfect example of why cold dips and spreads shine during the summer. They can be made ahead, served chilled, and paired with everything from fresh vegetables to grilled bread for easy entertaining. Website: https://www.thebowernola.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 3: Tujague’s (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Dish: Shrimp Remoulade Tip: For cold seafood salads, the dressing should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s remoulade, citrus vinaigrette, or an herb aioli, making sauces ahead of time gives the flavors a chance to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Website: https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 2: Charles & Julia (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Cocktail: CBD Spritz Tip: Allison says to elevate summer spritzes by skipping store-bought mixers and making your own creative fruit-and-herb syrup at home. Whether it's strawberry basil, watermelon-mint, peach-thyme or anything you can imagine, just a small splash adds layers of flavor and freshness. Website: www.charlesandjulia.com Photo: Sam Hanna

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 1: Dolfy's (Chef Adolfo Garcia, Jr.) Dish: Gazpacho Tip: When making gazpacho this summer, Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. says to freeze some of your vegetables before blending. Dice a portion of the tomatoes, cucumber, and/or bell pepper and freeze them for a few hours. When you blend the gazpacho, use those frozen pieces instead of ice. The soup gets refreshingly cold without becoming diluted, and the flavors stay concentrated.

by Andrew Chalk I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I said. "What is his

ShyBoy Blue Room FROM THE WIRES... Derrick Carter, Rich Medina, Lefto, SOULECTION founder Joe Kay, and Mark Farina headline a month of immersive programming inside Dallas’ first high-fidelity listening bar DALLAS, TEXAS (June 3, 2026) – Shyboy Hi-Fi continues its momentum this summer with a sensational June programming lineup that brings internationally respected DJs, genre-defying selectors, and community-driven music collectives to its intimate listening room in downtown

FROM THE WIRES... Just in time for Father’s Day, Espolòn Tequila has just launched its most ambitious bottle yet: Extra Añejo (MSRP: $69.99) - three years in the making and priced to stay within reach. The liquid is aged for two and a half years in American Oak and finished for six months in French Chardonnay casks. This rare double-cask approach sets it apart from traditional Extra Añejos, delivering toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and sweet spice with a rich, layered finish.

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CHARDONNAY EARNS TOP HONORS AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS St. Helena, Calif. – April 22nd, 2026 – Fifty years after the tasting that forever changed the world of wine, Spring Mountain Vineyard, a storied estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, in the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the Napa Valley, has once again taken its place among the elite—this time with a celebrated Top Three finish for Ch

Photo: Samantha Reynolds Photography FROM THE WIRES... Seasonal menu of spritzes, pizzas, oysters and shareable favorites available Sunday through Thursday DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This summer, Monarch is bringing the Italian tradition of aperitivo to downtown Dallas with the launch of Aperitivo Hour, a new seasonal offering available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the restaurant's lounge. Designed for gathering over drinks and light bites before dinner,

Photo: Jonathan Zizzo FROM THE WIRES... Guests who order a martini on June 19 will receive a mystery envelope featuring a bounceback card redeemable on their next cocktail purchase DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This National Martini Day, Monarch, a celebrated fixture in Dallas' local dining scene, is inviting guests to raise a glass and try something new with a one-night-only celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. On Friday, June 19, guests who orde

Photo: Jason Dewey FROM THE WIRES... One-night-only event brings one of Napa Valley's most celebrated wineries to one of Fort Worth's most intimate dining destinations FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 15, 2026) — The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth will welcome one of Napa Valley's most iconic wineries to Fort Worth for an exclusive Caymus Wine Dinner in The Blue Room on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Designed for wine enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike, the one-night-only experie

FROM THE WIRES... Mezcal Trailblazer Honors Milestone Anniversary with Year-Long Programming BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (MARCH 18, 2026) – Ilegal Mezcal celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, reflecting on two decades of mezcal mastery born in Oaxaca and a legacy that shaped the mezcal movement. From its beginnings at Café No Sé in Antigua, Guatemala, to its evolution into an internationally recognized mezcal pioneer, the brand’s 20-year journey reflects a commitment to artisanal

FROM THE WIRES... While Portugal is well celebrated for its native grapes, a new benchmark for high-altitude Syrah has emerged from a surprising corner of the Alentejo. The launch of Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 (SRP $48) is a profound testament to the Symington Family Estates’ commitment to world-class dry wines outside of their Douro home. The family's first acquisition outside the Douro, Quinta da Fonte Souto, strategically leverages the significant cooling effect o

FROM THE WIRES... BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s newest seasonal beer is Grass Attack, an all-new Cold IPA made for match days, watch parties and warm-weather sipping. The beer has just launched and will be available on tap exclusively at all BJ’s restaurants for a limited time. Brewed as a Cold IPA, Grass Attack brings together the bold, hop-forward character of an IPA with the crisp, smooth drinkability of a pale lager. At 6.5% ABV and 42 IBU, it pours pale and clear, ope

FROM THE WIRES...

FROM THE WIRES... AUSTIN, TX (June 9, 2026) - Dulce Vida Tequila, a pioneer in organic tequila, today unveils a bold new creative campaign alongside redesigned packaging for its core tequila pack, marking the first major evolution of the brand’s bottle design since its founding in 2009. Together, the national “For Those Who Know” campaign and redesigned bottles reflect the premium quality inside every bottle, placing Dulce Vida’s USDA-certified organic credentials and 100% Bl

Drone shot of the estate, October 2022, photo credit: © Wesley Steffens by Andrew Chalk The wines of perennial favorite Spring Mountain winery Smith-Madrone represent the unyielding convictions of Stuart and Charles Smith about how wines should taste. My insider contact reports (emphasis added): “Greetings from Smith-Madrone! Wildlife report: a litter of coyotes has appeared! Red-tail hawks are also often patrolling the vineyards! Stu and Charlie just celebrated the winery’s

by Andrew Chalk Type “Arche Winery” into the Google search box in your browser and the first entry that pops up in the list is: and that 100% authentic is what you get. Plus, the winemaking is some of the best in the state, often with challenging varieties. One unmissable here is the 2024 Chardonnay. Grown on the estate, just a short drone flight from the Oklahoma state line on a bluff above an imposing U-bend in the Red River. It is made in the New World style of barrel fe

Don't worry about burns. This candle is not real. by Andrew Chalk The proprietors of this fugazi French restaurant must think Dallasites will put up with anything. From the ‘French tat’ design, apparently by a designer whose closest proximity to France was Paris Texas, to the food, wine, and service, it is an underwhelming and too expensive experience. Ironically, ‘French bistro’ is not an oversupplied category in Dallas, where there are some good examples but there could be

FROM THE WIRES... The Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2018 (SRP $16) is the perfect Spanish-hearted solution for easily creating these everyday connections. The Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva is the quintessential go-to wine for effortless entertaining, bringing a spark of joy and spontanity to any gathering. This crowd-pleasing, hearty red simplifies hosting, allowing guests to relax and focus on connecting, rather than the beverage list. The 2018 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva is surpr

View from the tasting room at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard by Andrew Chalk On a narrow legal basis, the ‘North Texas Hill Country’ does not exist. However, one look at the sweeping vista outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the tasting room at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard moves one to create it. Sweeping slopes cascade away in all directions. To the Red River in the north (that is how close to the state line the winery lies), to St. Jo, Muenster, and, eventually, Fort

by Andrew Chalk There is a widespread, but seriously inaccurate, image of the French wine industry as being slow to change, hidebound, and introverted. “They still use corks” might characterize the view, at a time where screwcaps are ubiquitous on Australian and New Zealand wines, and spreading elsewhere.. Over 20+ visits to winegrowers in France have convinced me that this view is wrong. A closer statement would be that they rightly, and justifiably, celebrate their success

Part of the 'About' page of the Landon Winery web site by Andrew Chalk At the Drink North Texas Wine Festival I had an experience unlike any other. I wandered up to the Landon Winery booth and noticed they had a Chardonnay. I asked the sullen-looking guy behind the counter (he did not sound at all happy. He appeared to be having a bad day and intent on taking it out on people who visited the Landon booth) where the grapes came from. “Washington State”, he said. “What is it d

The floor at Drink North Texas, 2026 by Andrew Chalk I have just returned from Drink North Texas Wine Fedstival 2026, held in the spectacular, unforgettable setting of the Frontiers of Flight Museum next to Dallas Love Field Airport. The setting brings in hundreds of people keen to learn about Texas wine because they get the run of the museum too. Everything from early biplanes to F/A-18 Super Hornets that flew in The Blue Angels. Little wonder that the festival has already e

by Andrew Chalk Following up on the antipodean Sauvignon Blancs of last week, Southern Starz also has a range of Aussie Grenache wines. Eliding the oddity that they do not call the grape by its correct name, Garnacha (reflecting its Spanish origin), viticulturalists and vignerons in that innovative wine country are resculpting it in a way that I predict can only lead to its reentry as a major type in the US wine market. The words to describe this change were better chosen by

FROM THE WIRES... Château d'Esclans stands apart. This year, the brand offers even more reason to celebrate, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic Whispering Angel; a bottle that has helped redefine rosé as a symbol of effortless elegance. Known for elevating rosé into a luxury experience, the Château d'Esclans offers a thoughtful twist on gifting by allowing bottles to be customized, turning an already elegant pour into something deeply sentimental. The customization tr

by Andrew Chalk Auteur, one of the most innovative wineries in Sonoma County, just released three wines as their Spring 2026 selection and, having just tasted them, can readily recommend them. TASTING NOTES First, if you like Chardonnay, like its rich New World style, but like it to retain vibrant acidity, then the Auteur 2024 Chardonnay from Green Acres Vineyard in the Carneros region is the wine for you. I suspect it did not go through malolactic fermentation, hence the vi

by Andrew Chalk It has been a decade since I discovered DAOU, toured their spectacular rolling estate vineyard, and tasted their wines. A lot has changed since. In 2016 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines flew under the radar, unmentioned in Napa and Sonoma Cabernet reviews. Now, they are recognized for their quality, with DAOU as one of the flagship wineries and its region, the Adeleida District, drawing attention of its own. Bring on the 2023 vintage of DAOU’s flagsh