“Do I really have to choose?” Ripert asked before siding with the Domaine Serene. 2 Wine of 2016), a tribute to owner Grace Evenstad-who selected the vintage-and her late husband, Ken Evenstad. “It’s a classic Champagne with a good mineral content that I think works with the truffle.” Matthews chose Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dundee Hills Evenstad Reserve 2014 (95 points, $55, No. Lomonaco selected Delamotte Brut Champagne NV (91 points, $66), which he assured the crowd was not a cop-out. Next was Emeril’s squash custard with satsuma-truffle vinaigrette and crab salad. Lagasse went with Tasca d’Almerita Malvasia Salina Tenuta Capofaro Didyme 2020, a clean and straightforward Sicilian white “because Eric’s style is just that, it’s about highlighting the fish.” Ripert, Lomonaco and Meyer sided with Lagasse, but the crowd was more split, and round one was deemed a tie. “Also because I think Albariño from Rias Baixas is an extraordinary food wine, and this is an extraordinary Albariño,” he said. Matthews selected a rich, juicy white, Bodegas Pazo de Barrantes Albariño Rias Baixas La Comtesse 2017 (91 points, $59), as an ode to the family behind it and to Spain itself. Then the battle began with Ripert’s dish: Hiramasa crudo with grated yuzu, lemon and extra-virgin olive oil. “It’s the panel that I have the most fun on, it’s the thing that I never want to lose,” Andrés said, promising that he’ll be back next year. The Chefs’ Challenge veteran was in Spain receiving an honor for the work of his charitable organization, World Central Kitchen. “The wines that I chose really represent people and regions that mean a lot to me personally.” Even with emotion-filled picks, Matthews acknowledged that he expected tough competition.īefore it was time to dig in, a video message appeared from someone noticeably absent, chef José Andrés. While briefing the audience, Matthews, who retired as executive editor last year, revealed that his strategy was a bit different this year. The pairings go head-to-head in audience votes to determine which match reigns supreme.įacing off this year were chef Eric Ripert of Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Le Bernardin, legendary New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, chef Michael Lomonaco of Porter House Bar and Grill and New York-based restaurateur Danny Meyer. In this beloved battle, four culinary leaders each create a dish that’s paired with two wines: One chosen by another panelist and one by Wine Spectator editorial advisor Thomas Matthews. The return of the New York Wine Experience wouldn’t be complete without a rematch of a longtime fan-favorite seminar, the Chefs’ Challenge.

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