Marie B.
Yelp
Saturday (12/4/21) was a long day with lots of driving here, there, and everywhere. I wanted a late afternoon spot to just unwind, Chez Phinney was a perfect choice.
I had been casing out Chez Phinney for awhile ever since former business, Bluebird, relocated diagonally across the street. Once I entered, wow what a transformation from the former familiar layout of Bluebird to its current iteration.
My only exposure to such a wine bar concept was Rapport over on Capitol Hill, but choices there were vast and overwhelming. This was a scaled down version to sample and savor wines, with a handful of beers and ciders also to select from.
I was introduced to the set up by a welcoming owner. I handed over a debit/credit card for safekeeping in exchanged for a numbered card used on the dispensing area. Pour volumes available are 1 ounce, 3 ounces, and 5 ounces. When ready to close out one's ticket, complete the transaction at the host stand area.
I mentioned that I had interest in merlots, so she kindly pointed out a few to select from. I sat at a two top by the entrance on the main floor. The other floor had additional seating and the open food prep kitchen area.
I was provided a wine glass, water/glass, and I ordered a cheese plate with grapes and crostinis. The cheese plate was to take the edge off. I liked the three cheeses selected, but the grapes provided were a bit overripe. Maybe in the future they will consider nuts, dried fruits, salumi as a full charcuterie feature. Whatever, I nibbled through everything during my two hours there.
By the way, I also enjoyed the music played. Eclectic from Gipsy Kings to Tame Impala to Andy Gibb.
I ended up having three 1 ounce sample pours: two were merlot/cabernet sauvignons from France and for the third, I chose a Malbec from Walla Walla. I was amazed at its assertiveness and definitely made a note to self to order a Malbec next time I have a steak dinner.
I look forward to visiting again to continue my wine education. Chez Phinney is a great spot for date night, meet up with friends, or solo oenophiles like me.
Terrific addition to the vast retail stretch of Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhoods.