Spaghettini's and Cakebread Cellars Wine

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Dinner tonight at Spaghettini's, www.spaghettinisb.com,  featuring Cakebread Cellars wines from Napa. 5 tables of 8 were set up and about 10 seats were empty. One table was full of wine reps. I think the price had something to do with it. $140 price tag and I feel it was a $110 to $120 dinner.

We started out with a stand up reception. The 2013 Cakebread, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc was served along with passed Hors D'Oeuvres of Braised Pork Belly with Kumquat Jam which was very good and went surprisingly well with the Sau Blanc. We also had King Salmon, Faux Corn Relish with Wasabi Aioli on  crostini.  Ate my fill of both of these.  I usually find the appy's are better than the dinners.

Reception lasted about 30 minutes then we were seated for dinner.  First course was a Pink Lady and Fuji Apple Salad with Fennel, Red Endive, Pea Tendrils, Medjool Dates, Marcona Almonds and a Creamy Montgomery Cheddar Dressing. Good flavor, very light dressing, I would have like a tablespoon more. Apples were good. The pea tendrils I pushed aside. Those damm stems again.  They served this with a 2013 Cakebread, Napa Valley, Chardonnay. Took one whiff of the wine and gave it to my dining companions. Way too much oak Asked for another glass of the Sau Blanc which actually paired well with the salad.

Second course was a Saffron Campanelle, Ox Tail Ragu, Favas, and Eighteen Month White Cheddar.  This dish was full of flavor, very earthy. The pasta was perfect. We all agreed we wish we could have had a very large serving of this dish.  Wine paired was a 2012 Cakebread, Two Creeks Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir.  Was not impressed. Just did not knock my socks off. Thought the finish was weak from mid palate on.

Main course was served. Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, Gold Yukon Puree, Broccoli di Cicco, Spring Peas and Cabernet Veal Glaze with a side of horseradish cream. Short Ribs were outstanding. Fork tender. Veal glaze was extremely good. This was also a big hit at the table. Paired with a 2012 Cakebread, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon which turned out to have Merlot, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot in it. Why not call it a blend.

Dessert was delicious. Chocholate Ganache with a candied banana slice and a canelle of cream. They poured a 2012 Cakebread, Napa Valley, Merlot. It was a decent pairing but for the richness of the dessert the Merlot should have been bigger. Frankly I would have preferred a big Zin or Syrah with this.

The owners of Cakebread were in attendance. They sat at a different table than all the wine reps. What I found strange is the one wine rep got up and talked about the wine and the owners were never introduced or mentioned. Perhaps they did not want to but I still found it odd.  Nice wines but nothing outstanding. I have seen Cakebread wine dinners listed at numerous restaurants lately . Wonder why they are pushing so hard.