THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant Restaurant Review:

For anyone who fancies good wine, walking into Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant holds the same joy as when a child enters a fabulous candy store. The display of bottles in floor-to-ceiling glass vaults is equally exciting. Owner-sommelier Jayson Knack has taken great care to create a one-of-a-kind wine lounge and restaurant that celebrates the grape in a burgundy and black, modern setting. With over 200 wines by the glass and 4,500 bottles to choose from, Decanter challenges guests to expand the palate; in fact, you may request any bottle be opened for a mere taste or glass. Clearly, it's about playful, intelligent pairings, as the streamlined menu showcases California contemporary cuisine, but the wine is the belle of this Rancho Santa Fe ball. A Santa Barbara Ethan Viognier (2006) partners nicely with the chef's charcuterie plate, while a Mer Soleil Chardonnay with notes of honeysuckle and crème brûlée is a siren's call to the pan-seared sea scallops nestled on Meyer lemon risotto with lump crab hash. A serious Barbera d'Alba Vietti (2006) acts as a dashing companion to espresso-crusted filet mignon and Chino Farm heirloom vegetables. A final fragrant Australian Moscato with hints of lychee and pear completes the gustatory evening, well matched with berries and cream.