Wine & Spirits: Top of the List

THE magazine for wine lovers

Earlier this week I went to an event for Wine & Spirits with some of the top wineries in the country. The evening began with a nice champagne and caviar reception but continued on with numerous tastings and delicacies from Ai Fiori, Edi & The Worlf, ABC Kitchen & Ciano (um, their meatballs are absolutely amazing.) 

One of my favorite whites was the 2009 Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay from Napa Valley. I thought that it smelled of very crisp apples and peaches. The oak wasn't very heavy on the taste, in fact it enhanced the fruit flavors and brought in some nice minerality. There was a great finish on this wine too. Definitely pair this with salmon or a lighter fish. 

My favorite red also came from Napa Valley and was the 2007 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. With hints of cassis and blackberry, this Cabernet was more elegant than just a typical Napa red. This particular wine was aged for 18 months in mostly French Oak, hence the lush palate. 

And definitely check out the latest issue of Wine & Spirits for the Restaurant Poll!