Cape Mentelle Wine Dinner @ Neo Tamarind KL

This is my first time to Neo Tamarind and it is also my first time tasting so many Cape Mentelle wines in one night. My first encounter with Cape Mentelle would be their Sauvignon Blanc Semillion a few years ago as I love a fresh and lively white and the 2012 bottle that was poured to us that evening was lively, fresh with hints lemon and grapefruit flavours. That's a good start to the evening!

The venue was beautifully decorated with white romantic roses and an elegant table setting which depicts the image of the brand. As one of Margaret River's "Founding Five" wineries, Cape Mentelle is indeed one of the pioneers and also creating the benchmark of quality for the region's wine. I also came to know that one of my favourite whites from the Cloudy Bay winery in NZ is actually a sister winery of Cape Mentelle. The winery is now part of Estates & Wines (owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and thus building on a solid foundation. There are more than 150 hectares under vine and the winery crushes about 1,700 tonnes of fruit from the estate vineyards and contract-grown fruit sourced from within the region.

 

 A little contest to win a bottle of wine by identifying the correct wine.

A few varieties of canapes were served together with the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 and then followed by a four-course-dinner and then a dessert.

Ashley Wood was in town recently to represent the winery for all the wine dinners held here. Before making a stop in KL, he was actually in Singapore the day before and he enjoyed the climate and food here. Ashley is actually the viticulturist at Cape Mentelle who has a great interest and passion in grape growing. He believes that the superb quality of the fruit grown in Margaret River is a unique reflection of the good terroir.

The wines that we would be pairing with our food - Chardonnay 2011, Cabernet Merlot 2010, Shiraz 2011 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2009.

Steamed White Cod with Coconut Herbs Reduction

Paired with Chardonnay 2011

The steamed cod was a little bland to my liking but it was somehow interesting to see it being paired with a coconut based sauce and it blends well. The Chardonnay 2011 with a 100% chardonnay grape has an abundance of grapefruit and fresh lime nose but on the palate, it has a lemony and pear flavours. Very citrusy and well balanced. It's ready to drink now or to be cellared to 2021 according to the experts. (97 points by Australian Wine Annual 2013 - Jeremy Oliver)

Roasted Chicken served with Garlic Bulb, Whipped Potato, Apple Sauce with Chicken Jus

Paired with Cabernet Merlot 2010

The roasted chicken was tender and smoky but what I liked best was the grilled garlic bulb. I am not a garlic person but I ate almost half of that garlic and this proves something right? The Cabernet Merlot 2010 has a bright ruby red colour, with lots of red fruits, aniseed and tobacco bouquet. On the palate, it shows a fruity and vibrant wine full of red fruits and plum. A medium body wine to be enjoyed with chicken and pork. This wine is a blend of 44% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot and 1% malbec. It can drink now or to be cellared through 2030. (96 points by Western Australian 2012 - Ray Jordan)

Roasted Duck Breast served with Red Cabbage Puree & Mustard Sauce

Paired with Shiraz 2011

I was in fact a little disappointed with the roasted duck breast as it was quite tough and needs more chewing than a chewing gum. However, some of the others may have managed to get a better duck. Anyways, back to the wine, we had a glass of Shiraz 2011. Of all australian wines, I probably like Shiraz very much because I like the spicy and peppery palate which is medium to full bodied and this one here clearly has a nose of pepper and aniseed with rich berries. On the palate, it shows depth, chocolate notes and liquorice with a spicy finish. This bottle can be cellared right up to 2031. (98 points by West Australian 2012 - Ray Jordan)

Grilled Beef Tenderloin served with Eryngii Mushroom, Scallion Oil & Beef Jus

Paired with Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

The beef tenderloin was good - tender, juicy and lightly flavoured with scallion oil. The highlight of the night would be the Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. It was the wine that everyone is anticipating to taste because Cape Mentelle has a rich history of exceptional quality and consistency with Cabernet Sauvignon which is their single vineyard wine. The wine has a nose of violets, blackcurrants and rolled tobacco. On the palate, it has black fruits, subtle flavours of chocolate, plum and aniseed and hint of oak. it's a full bodied wine with a good complexity and finish. Ready to drink now or to be cellared through 2029. (98 points by West Australian 2012 - Ray Jordan)

Green Tea Creme Brulee as dessert!

Ashley Wood explaining all about the wines we had that night and then it was followed by the prize giving session to those who have guessed the wines correctly. And I've won a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012!

A picture with Ashley, Chong (Brand Ambassador for MHD), KY and Missyblurkit.

With KY & Wei Zhi from KampungBoyCityGal

I had fun that night trying out so many wines and learning more about this wonderful Australian wine producer from Margaret River which exudes quality and style in its wines and also presentation. I left home with a smile. It was also nice to be able to meet some of the food writers whom have blogs I read regularly. This is indeed the last wine dinner event I will attend for now until August as I will be in Belgium to spend quality time with my partner. Thank you for the invitation!

NEO Tamarind

(My advice is to park at KL Life Centre and walk over)

19, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
(opposite Equatorial Hotel beside Wisma KFC)
(NEO Tamarind is close on Sundays) 

Tel: +603 2148 3700

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