It was a packed house at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Dallas last Thursday as the restaurant played its part in the simultaneous exclusive pre-release of 2009 Paraduxx Z Blend, Napa Valley Red Wine (a Duckhorn portfolio wine) at 81 US locations across the US. Z is a blend of predominantly Zinfandel. Also served were other wines from Duckhorn properties: 2010 Migration Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County; 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County and 2007 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot “Three Palms Vineyard”, Napa Valley.
Ruth’s Chris chefs at each participating location prepared the same five course meal which delved into filet, lobster, lamb and white bean and chorizo soup. They even prepared a salad that was so light on the acids that it went harmoniously with the buttery Chardonnay. Amid five fabulous courses I put the lamb lollipops at the top of my own personal flavor favorites and rank the Merlot the best wine of the evening.
This was just the first of a series of wine dinners planned at Ruth’s Chris in 2012. Look out for a Penfold’s dinner on May 1st featuring what is widely considered one of the top 10 red wines in the world: Penfold’s Grange (known as just ‘The Grange’ among its followers). This year’s release dinner features the 2007 vintage. The dinner will likely be a sell out. Reserve by calling the Dallas location at (972) 250-2244.
~ Duckhorn Wine Dinner Menu ~
1st Course
Spring Greens & Strawberry Salad with goat cheese,
toasted almonds, tossed with Champagne vinaigrette
Migration Russian River Chardonnay
2nd Course
White Bean & Chorizo Soup topped with julienne baby spinach
Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
3rd Course
Salt & Pepper Seared Lamb Lollipop with blackberry demi glace and served with sweet potato casserole
Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Merlot
4th Course
Filet & Lobster Rockefeller served with red beans and
rice and sautéed mushrooms
Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Blend
5th Course
Chocolate Sin Cake with fresh berries and sweet cream
Coffee & Tea
