A Unique Degustation with Cape Mentelle and Cameron Murphy
4 min readA Unique Degustation with Cape Mentelle and Cameron Murphy
A few days ago, I attended a unique degustation with Cape Mentelle and Cameron Murphy, estate director of Cape Mentelle. Cape Mentelle, a founding winery of Australia’s remote Margaret River wine region, hosted a wine pairing lunch with at Tanzini, GTower Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
This unique degustation menu featured Cape Mentelle’s latest award winning premium red and white wines comprising its Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013, Cabernet Merlot 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, and Chardonnay 2012, paired with the distinct neo-cuisines created by celebrity Chef Johnny Fua.
(Cameron Murphy, estate director of Cape Mentelle.)
The West Australian Wine Guide awarded Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 at 98 points, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013 at 95 points and Cabernet Merlot 2012 at 94 points. Thus, the Australian Wine Annual 2014 awarded Chardonnay 2012 at 95 points. In short, they are the finest wine in Western Australia.
(Chef Fua of Tanzini)
The pairing showcased the shared philosophy of Cape Mentelle and Chef Fua – coming together and producing an elegant and refined wine and dine experience while preserving its own unique identity.
(Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013)
The lunch started with Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013, the latest edition to Cape Mentelle’s range, paired against Hokkaido Scallops. The beauty of this dish is the light seared fresh scallops and its beautiful taste and texture. The intensity and aromatic purity of this white wine easily accentuated the sweetness of the seafood and its complements; a dish that made for an opening partnership to remember.
(Cabernet Merlot 2012)
The lunch pairing continued with the serving of Cabernet Merlot 2012, a blend that has a fine pedigree including being awarded the trophy for ‘Best Bordeaux style blend’ at the 2006 Decanter World Wine Awards. This complex, medium bodied red wine paired seamlessly against the Free Range Chicken Roulade and Cured Smoked Duck; the structure and length of the cabernet with the soft mid-palate of merlot further enhanced the dish. I love the taste of the Free Range Chicken Roulade as I find it as a perfect combination with the Cured Smoked Duck and the Cabernet Merlot 2012.
(Cabernet Sauvignon 2011)
The third serving of the day is the flagship wine of Cape Mentelle – Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Margaret River’s first grape vines. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 paired with Aged Striploin, highlights the rich and intensity of this red wine amidst its dense varietal characters of blackcurrant, mocha and tobacco on a long, perfectly weighted palate.
(Chardonnay 2012)
The Atlantic Black Cod is the best bet for those who do not consume red meat and it is paired with the finest Chardonnay by Cape Mentelle. This appreciative tasting highlights the aromatic complexity and fine texture of Chardonnay 2012; perfectly heightened its natural fruit intensity when harmonising with the fish.
The meal closed with the perfect ending, a unique course where dessert in the form of a Praline Chocolate Mousse with Crunchy Croquantine, Hazelnut Daquoise, Cherry Gel and Light Lemongrass Gelato was matched against the Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2012. This exquisite pairing blends the tantalising flavour of the dessert with the chalky acidity flavours of lime, pear and grapefruit of the white wine.
From 6th October till 5th December 2014, Cape Mentelle in collaboration with Tanzini will feature a pairing promotion comprising of a 4-course degustation menu for RM400++ for two persons; where each course will be paired with a bottle of Cape Mentelle Chardonnay, comprehensively showcasing the range of wines that lead the portfolio. Make your booking early to avoid disappointment. Contact Tanzini at http://www.tanzini.com.my/ or call +603 2168 1899
About CAPE MENTELLE
Cape Mentelle, a founding winery of Australia’s remote Margaret River wine region, is one of the most remote wine regions in the world located in the south west corner of Australia; its natural beauty with spectacular coastlines captivates visitors. Here the maritime influence of the Indian Ocean ensures even temperatures, providing consistently excellent vintage conditions.
About TANZINI
Tanzini, located on the 28th floor of GTower, offser contemporary European cuisines with its base rooted firmly in the rich and hearty food of the Italian home kitchen. Echoing the fresh concept, its Upper Deck offers diners a unique fine dining experience right ‘under-the-stars’ with distinctive star-lights fixtures and spectacular views of Kuala Lumpur night cityscape. Set in a double volume rooftop pavilion, Upper Deck has spectacular views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Cuisine is presented degustation style and reservations are highly encouraged.
Tanzini Address, Email and Contact:
Level 28, GTower, 199 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
PHONE
+603 2168 1899
OPERATION HOURS
Monday to Saturday:
Lunch 1130am-230pm
Dinner 630pm-1030pm
Sunday: Closed
