Antipodean Fine Wine and Dine 17.5.08

 

 

The superb catering for this event was provided by Rhonda Scott of Escence catering - see www.escense.com. This meal featured superb canapes, the best scallop dish I've had in a couple of years; the nicest venison I've ever had, and a lovely dessert. If you've got an event in London you should give her a call. 

 

Various Canapes

Taltarni Clover Hill Brut 2003 Pipers River (Oddbins £13.59 on 20% off special offer)

Good quality fizz and proof that bubbly is a versatile much for canapes - and most food in general.

 

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Marinated scallops grilled in the shell with toasted hazelnut and Pernod cream

Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2007 Picadilly (Oddbins £10.99)

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough (Philglas & Swiggot £12.75) 

The limey, mouthwatering Riesling went really well with the starter. Whilst I knew this was a good seafood and shellfish wine I was a bit worried about the Pernod, but it went well in the mouth, subtly amplifying the aniseed flavour of the sauce. The Sauvignon was good but has plenty of competitors costing a bit less - it was served after the starter as I thought it's mix of tropical and green fruit flavours would be a bit over the top.

 

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Venison medallions with sauted kumera and green beans and a blackcurrant jus

Felton Road Block 2 Pinot Noir 2002 Central Otago (Donated by host, magnum c. £100)

 Lovely wine showing very well with a few years bottle age in magnum. Great balance of fruit and savoury aromas and flavours. A good match for the lovely venison, easily robust enough. Stood up to the jus quite well but it was a great idea to serve the sauce in a little jug "just in case"

 

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Kiwi Fruit Sorbet

 

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A selection of cheeses

Penfold's Grange Hermitage 1996 South Eastern Australia (Donated by host, c. £150+) 

Cullen Diana Madeleine Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Margaret River (Philglas & Swiggot £36.50)

The Grange was another great treat from our hosts. Still very young and perhaps more of a "tasting" wine than a dinner wine (cf the Felton Road). Very dense and structured and will open out with more age. In terms of the cheeses served, "boring old" Cheddar and manchego would probably have matched better than those served - as remarked, the hard goats cheese was a bit too salty. The group were underwhelmed (especially at the price) with the Cullen Cab Sauv, finding it a bit humdrum. I thought it was pretty good and there was structure and class there, but the Pinot was the clear star on the night.

 

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Panacotta with Raspberries

Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2006 Clare Valley (Philglas & Swiggot £16.50 half)

Campbells Classic Rutherglen Muscat (Philglas & Swiggot £16.95 half)

We served the Riesling before dessert - a lovely tangy rich style. But I think I was right to serve the heavy sticky fortified Muscat with the dessert. This kind of wine (molasses, caramel, coffee etc) goes well with vanilla desserts (particularly ice cream), and also contrasts well with fresh red fruits. The alcohol on the nose was off-putting for some, but the nutty. caramel-coffee flavours and long aftertaste won most over.