The Beaune Yard

September 14th

Flemings - Chicago Wine Bar

I recently was in Chicago and was captivated by a place that I had driven by, advertising with sleek lettering a "wine bar".  I thought that after dinner I would stop in and see if it really was a wine bar or just another bland attempt.  I was conflicted upon my entry as I realized that it was a "chain" restaurant but nothing about the interior really screamed cookie cutter.  So I decided to give this venue a try.  The short answer, if you are downtown Chicago (the magnificant mile) and want to try some wine, this is a place to go.  Quickly the decor, mood, and staff put my fears to rest and I was able to settle into a series of nice wines.  To add to the ambiance they have 100 wines by the glass.

Now I know what you are thinking, because it was the first thing that came to my mind.  It must be all low end wine with a few winners. WRONG.  Another reason this place makes the grade (when I normally askew chains) was the wine list was well thought out, powerful and yet subtly intriguing.  It lured me in.  Too many choices for one night and I will definetly be back at the bar.  

I started with an 03 Truchard Syrah that was fabulouse (see review) and then moved to an 06 Hall Cabernet and then the 05 Cain Concept.  With a unfortunately decadent dessert (unfortunate to my desire to stay thin) I added another wine that I will not name.  My notes were mixed but I had burned my pallet on good wine and do not want to trash something that does not deserve it.

Let me just add one more reason to stop in.  Make that two.  The price per glass was more than reasonable and the wine list by the bottle is a great tool if you want to start a serious collection.  Not sure who has the final say on the store buying but that wine list was really off the chart.

So, if you want TOP shelf service (thanks again Paul and Melissa for making that night really fun) and you want to have some great wine while you are in Chicago, you gotta try Flemings.

Remember that life is too short for bad wine or bad friends.