If I’m getting serious about my wine tasting, I usually don’t like to eat while drinking. But once I’m done with taking notes, I love a good food and wine pairing that brings out different things in the wine. In Napa and Sonoma, we had a few brilliant couplings. Take note for your next party…

Palmaz

smoked salmon canapé and wasabi-infused caviar with 2010 Amalia Chardonnay $55

smoked Magret duck breast wrapped creme cheese, fig preserves and chives with 2007 Estate Cabernet $120

St. Francis

heirloom tomoatoes, pickled compressed watermelon, basil oil, and herbed feta streusel (amaaaazing – we were in love) with 2011 Sonoma County Rosé $20 (and $5 from every bottle goes to breast cancer research)

Paraduxx

mimolette cheese with 2009 Z Blend red wine (62% Zinfandel, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot) $48

Breggo (at Cliff Lede)

lamb meatball with minted yogurt and lime zest (tied into a bow – someone has the tiniest fingers ever to be able to do this!) with 2010 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir $38

Domaine Carneros

dried strawberries with Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé $36

More on where to eat in Napa coming tomorrow – so much ridiculously good food.