Wine dinner at Nosh in Dallas celebrates Duckhorn Wines

Paraduxx winemaker David Marchesi and Duckhorn rep Ashley O'Leary

nosh chef Andrew Bell

Nosh owner Avner Samuel sometimes does what he's told

Nosh owner Avner Samuel with chef Andrew Bell

scallops with brussels sprout leaves, potatoes, pancetta and kumquat preserves

mmmmmm....short ribs

Duckhorn Wines and Nosh Eurobistro asked me to join them at a sold-out wine dinner last night. I’ve  shared some great wines with Duckhorn founder Dan Duckhorn, so, sure, I said, of course I’ll be there. Dan had other plans (he doesn’t travel much anymore), so he sent David Marchesi, the winemaker for Paraduxx, one of Duckhorn’s boutique labels, to host the evening. (Added bonus: Dan also sent Ashley O’Leary, the company’s central region sales manager, which was a pretty good swap, I’d say.)

Nosh’s chef, Andrew Bell, did the Duckhorn portfolio proud, pairing the 2010 Migration Chardonnay with seared scallops, brussels spurts leaves, diced potatoes and sweet/tart kumquat preserves. But tust trust me on this one: Bell’s espresso braised beef short ribs with pommes Robuchon (i.e., equal parts butter, cream and potatoes) and braised kale waltzed right in step with Duckhorn’s 2009 Paraduxx C Blend (Cabernet based) and the 2008 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon.  Even Nosh owner Avner Samuel got into the cooking action.