Tasting Menu Pairings

Question 1

Yellowtail- Drinker

Answer 1

Delphinium “Ancestral” Cremant 2022
California
Bright and minerals.
Champagne lift and energy compliments seafood without overshadowing the delicate flavors.

Question 2

Yellowtail- Thinker

Answer 2

2017 Ramey “Rodgers Creek” Syrah
Sonoma Coast AVA
Black olive, violets and crushed peppercorns.
A touch of briney flavors add the already existing notes of the dish, particularly the bottarga

Question 3

Creste di Gallo- Drinker

Answer 3

Valette Rose Pinot Noir
2022 Sonoma Coast
Cherry, Tarragon, White Cheese Rind
The rich savory notes of this rose play on the creaminess of the dish. And the mild acidity plays nicely with the tomatoes, herbs, and feta.

Question 4

Creste di Gallo- Thinker

Answer 4

Dot Wines White Pinot Noir
2023 RRV
Golden apple, pear, limestone
The rich palete matches the creaminess of the dish while the mild white fruit offers offers a neutral canvas for the brighter note of the dish.

Question 5

Skate- Drinker

Answer 5

2021 Journeyman Chardonnay
RRV AVA
Lemon curd, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Classic example of an oak forward chardonnay complimenting a rich butter based dish through matching weight and flavors.

Question 6

Skate- Thinker

Answer 6

2022 Les Athletes du Vin Pineau d’Aunis, Touraine
LAYZ ath-LET doo VAHN pin-ew dow-NEE tor-RAIN
Loire Valley, France
Light Cranberry and pink peppercorn.
One of the lightest bodied red wine grapes, the wine is soft and subtle enough to avoid clashing with the delicate flavors of the fish while still adding beautiful light pepper notes.

Question 7

Filet- Drinker

Answer 7

2022 Far Niente “Post and Beam” Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa
Ripe black fruit, Espresso, cigar box
Cab and steak is one of the most famous pairings. The structure of the wine offsets the richness of the steak while matching intensity.

Question 8

Filet-Thinker

Answer 8

2007 Rumplestiltskin “Appassimento” red blend. Merlot, sangiovese, cab franc, dolcetto.
Dried fig, plum, violets, earth, oregano
The notes of earth and herbs plays into the flavors of the dish and the dried fruit keeps it from clashing with the spice of the dish.

Question 9

Cheesecake- Drinker

Answer 9

Broadbent 10 Year Sercial Madeira NV
Madeira
Golden raisin, dried apricot, walnut
The high bright tones cut through the richness of the cheesecake and highlight the tart apple and cranberry notes.

Question 10

Cheesecake- Thinker

Answer 10

Alvear “1927 Solear” Pedro Ximenez NV
Montilla-Moriles, Andalusia, Spain
Molasses, rum, raisin, date, burnt sugar, nuts
The deep heaviness provides a foundation to lift up the cheesecake and make it feel more light and airy.