Wine Connoisseur Paul Pinnell Leaves Nana for His Own Wine Boutique

RED, RED WINE: Paul Pinnell will open Dali Wine Bar and Cellar in One Arts Plaza (seen here) next month. photography by Kris Hundt

No one appreciates a good body like Paul Pinnell. Ever since he studied under Rebecca Murphy—the first female sommelier in Texas—32 years ago, Pinnell has carried on a love affair—not with a woman, with wine.

“I immersed myself into learning about wine,” he says. “The good thing about wine is that nobody knows everything about it. There’s an infinite amount of wine knowledge out there, and it’s subjective to a person’s taste buds.”

For the past 14 years, Pinnell has served as the general manager of Nana restaurant at the Hilton Anatole. He had always dreamed of opening his own wine bar, but he put the idea on the shelf for years. Next month, Pinnell will finally open Dali Wine Bar and Cellar in the highly anticipated One Arts Plaza development.

“There are a lot of wine bars in Dallas,” he acknowledges. “The idea is to distinguish ourselves by matching incredible food with high-quality wines that are hard to find. It will be completely wine-driven.”

Pinnell will welcome both those who love wine and those just learning. The best advice for newcomers, he says, is to try, try again. “People should drink what they like,” he says. “It takes time and guidance from the right people, whether it’s a local sommelier or a retailer. You have to taste wines again and again to see the nuances of what it is about.”

In other words: swirl, sniff, sip, and repeat.

Clos du Bois 2005 Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($15.19) This Reserve Chardonnay comes from one of California’s most reliable Chardonnay producers. Offering compelling citrus flavors with a judicious amount of oak, Pinnell describes this wine as “beautifully crafted and elegantly balanced.” Available at Goody Goody.	Goldeneye 2004 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($64.99) Burgundian in style, this elegant and sophisticated wine has the structure to age. This offering from Duckhorn Winery has a focused fruit flavor and a rich mouth feel, raising the bar for California Pinots. Pinnell says it’s “worthy of any serious cellar.” Available at Cork.	Robert Craig 2003 “Affinity” Red Wine, Napa Valley ($35.99) With a core of refreshing, juicy fruit backed with an alluring mid-palate, this 2003 vintage is Pinnell’s personal favorite for the money and quality. This red wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Verdot into one delicious blend. Available at Sigel’s.	Darioush 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($71.99) “This Cabernet is now considered Napa Valley cult status—and rightly deserved,” says Pinnell, who rates it as his Best in Show. This California Cabernet’s gorgeous aromas open up to deep black fruit flavors as the wine continues to reveal harmonious body and structure. Available at Sigel’s.
photography by John Gay