by Andrew Chalk
When Shinsei, the perpetually popular pan-Asian restaurant near the corner of Inwood and Lovers and Duckhorn Vineyards, the revered Napa Valley wine producer, collaborate for a top end dinner, the results are bound to be impressive. The show they put on last week did just that with wines like Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2012 and Duckhorn Merlot 2010. And wines from Duckhorn’s other labels as well: Migration Chardonnay 2011, Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2010 and Paraduzz Z blend 2010 dessert wine.
Since Duckhorn is synonymous with estate vineyard Napa wines they established Migration as their ‘Burgundian’ label. Migration offers just Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sonoma’s Russian River AVA and Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. Goldeneye offers only Pinot Noir and only from the Anderson Valley. It might be Migration without a budget constraint as the objective is super-premium Pinot Noir. Paraduxx is a high-end Napa producer with a broader range of grapes and sourcing than Duckhorn’s eponymous label.
The food was the responsibility of Shinsei execuchef T.J. Lengnick. Despite being mainly preoccupied with sushi at Shinsei, he showed his background as a Kent Rathbun alum and Whiskey Cake opening chef with a diverse selection of non sushi dishes with influences from as far apart as new England and Vietnam. His versatility is really impressive. Feast on our photo gallery below for an insider look at a Shinsei wine dinner.
“Chawanmushi” Arctic char, savory custard and enoki mushrooms
Nantucket Bay Scallops
Crispy Smoked Sweetbreads
Quail Pho
Slow Roasted Short Ribs
