The Double Helix Wine and Whisky Bar
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: Double Helix stands out among the many wine bars in Las Vegas. Double Helix has a winemaker that crafts a Double Helix portfolio of wines at his winery in California. Double Helix is not just about wine, they offer whisky, beer other liquors and soda.
The Double Helix Wine and Whiskey Bar is located in The Palazzo in Las Vegas. It was one of the first establishments to open in the Shoppes in the Palazzo area. The bar has a short wall around it making it separate from the walkway but at the same time welcoming for people to stop. Located in a cross section of stores, the bar is in an unusual location. If you are tired of shopping or want to take a load off your feet, stop by the Double Helix to refresh yourself. For those staying in The Palazzo, the wine and whiskey bar is just a short walk from the elevators, making it easy to purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy it in your luxurious room.
Owner Ray Nisi recounted the story of meeting Chef Emeril Lagasse. Chef Emeril approached Ray one day, prior to the opening of the Double Helix and introduced himself. He wanted to know if Double Helix would be interested in a partnership with Lagasse’s restaurant Table 10, just a short walk away. Ray was very interested. He wanted to serve food at the wine and whisky bar, however was not permitted to make it there because of the location. Now, Table 10 makes the food served at the Double Helix. Menu items include: Artisan Cheese Board, Crispy Calamari, and Tiramisu Creme Brulee.
Just across from the Double Helix Wine and Whisky Bar is the Double Helix Boutique. On Friday evenings, they host a $5 wine tasting of three wines. The boutique shop is near elevators to The Palazzo suites.
Double Helix Wine and Whisky Bar offers an impressive collection of beverages. Ray wanted to expand the concept of a traditional wine bar. In addition to more than 50 wines that can be ordered by the glass, visitors can order 50 different whiskies, 50 beers and a full range of other liquors.
We had the opportunity to taste wines on two occasions with owner, Ray Nisi and wine director Krista Rediske. On the second occasion, the Double Helix’s winemaker joined us.
Double Helix Brand Wines
Unlike many wine bars, Double Helix has a winemaker, Michael Cobb. At one time, Michael worked for Disneyland’s Club 33 as a wine buyer. He later left to work for a winery in Santa Barbara, California. Now he is the winemaker at Sort This Out Cellars in Solvang, California. Some of the wines are specially crafted for Double Helix and bears the Double Helix name. The “pin up” line has images of beautiful showgirls on the label.
The white wines are easy drinking wines that can be served as an aperitif or with food. The 2009 Chardonnay was a straw colored wine fermented and aged only in stainless steel. It had a pear aroma. The taste began with pear and changed to apple. The finish was crisp and fruity. The 2010 Muscat was also straw colored and dry, however the intensity of the fruit gave it a perceived sweetness. There were orange blossoms and honeysuckle on the aroma. Orange was predominate on the taste. The wine offered a crisp aftertaste and like the Chardonnay, one can serve the wine as an aperitif or with food. The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc offered a light straw color. The aroma and taste emphasized tropical fruits including banana and pineapple. Grapefruit was apparent on the taste and crispy finish.
Two red wines tasted in the “pin up” portfolio included a Merlot and a Zinfandel.
The 2010 Merlot was a ruby color and had dark fruit on the aroma and taste. There were bold tannins and the wine had a fruity finish. The 2010 Zinfandel was also a ruby color and was fruit forward with mild tannins. Another Double Helix brand is the Reserve Black Label. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was a dark ruby color. There were dark fruits on the aroma and taste. The fruit was accompanied with hints of licorice and leather. The finish had bold tannins and the fruit yielded to spice.
The Double Helix brand wines sell well in the wine and whisky bar. About 60 - 65 percent of visitors order the Double Helix wines. The Double Helix is an example of a wine and whisky bar that literally has something for everyone. Double Helix also created a line of six sodas including Black Cherry and Birch Beer. The next time in Las Vegas, stop by The Palazzo and visit the Double Helix Wine and Whisky Bar. There is also a Double Helix Wine and Whisky Lounge at Town Square and a restaurant, Bottles and Burgers at Tivoli Village.
Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Bar
The Shoppes at The Palazzo
3327 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Visit this Nevada winery that partners with Wine Trail Traveler.
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