Cape Mentelle Wine Dinner, Neo Tamarind, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

NEO Tamarind

Cape
Mentelle Wines at NEO Tamarind, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Margaret
River: blue skies; gum tree forests; pristine beaches and; some of the best
wines in Australia. That’s right, this small patch of land only makes around three
percent of the total production in Australia, yet commands more than twenty
percent of the country’s premium wines. Ideal soil and climate conditions and,
some serious wine makers, have led to the delivery of some decidedly delicious
drops in this region. One of the better known names is Cape Mentelle, and recently
a handful of very fortunate KLites sampled some of their wares during a wine
paired dinner in the city.
The
sleek, minimalist setting of NEO Tamarind provided the canvas on which the
master pairings were presented. Lanterns dangled from tree branches lining the
stairway, which led guests from the street to the main entrance. The two
elements of water and fire, along with stone and earthy greys combined in the
structures to form a cool clean ambience. Dim lighting added a feel of intimacy
and intrigue.
NEO Tamarind
Guests
were greeted with a benchmark for the region, a Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012,
affectionately known by the Aussies as an SSB. Dull straw in colour with a
shadow of spring green, this first wine was fresh and citrusy on the nose and, displayed
soft melon on the palate. Of the canapés served: black ink risotto with salmon
roe; deep fried crisp calamari with Cajun spicy sauce; Angus Beef Tataki with
chilli roasted rice and; tomato bruschetta; the risotto and the calamari got
repeat orders for this bright fruity drop.
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012
Neo Tamarind, Cape Mentelle
Dining Setting
After
a cocktail mingling and welcome, guests moved to white clothed tables adorned
with an abundance of fresh floral bouquets. Another well-reputed wine came
next, Cape Mentelle’s 2011 Chardonnay. Transparent yellow in hue, and tart
citrus in aroma, this young wine was juicy and, rich in lemon on the palate.
Drank alone it was a noble drop, but paired up with its fishy partner, Steamed
White Cod with Coconut and Herb Reduction, it reached new heights. A curl of
lime zest woven across the dish brought the lemon lime flavours of the wine to
the forefront, lifting the palate from a mealy base to an elegant blossoming
finish.
Neo Tamarind
Steamed White Cod 
Proceeding
to chicken on the plate and red in the glass, the meal began to heavy. Roasted
Chicken, served with a garlic bulb, whipped potato, applesauce and chicken jus,
was accompanied by the 2010 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot. Gleaming ruby in
colour when held to the light and, dark berry on the nose, this lively wine was
fruity, close to full bodied and ended with some complexity. I was imaging
something from the grill with this wine, but the roast chicken was a pawn well
played.
neo tamarind, cape mentelle wines
Roasted Chicken
Australia
has long been known for its gutsy shiraz, so it’s almost a must in any showcase
of product from the country. Cape Mentelle’s 2011 Shiraz came paired with Roasted
Duck Breast, Red Cabbage Puree and Mustard Sauce. Deep crimson through the
glass with plum and spice on the nose, the red breathed familiarity. Berries,
bitter cocoa and a hint of anise were detected on the palate. This lovely drop
is good now, but it’s a keeper. Producers reckon it will continue to mature up
to near 2031 before reaching its peak.
Neo tamarind
Roasted Duck Breast
The
grand finale was Cape Mentelle’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Getting rave reviews
by Australian wine writers and scores of up to 98 points, we were lucky to
taste something so good. It’s bright ruby red in the glass with hints of cocoa,
tobacco and floral undertones on the nose. Profound and voluptuous, this red
gives you something to mull over with a long lasting finish. Grilled Beef Tenderloin
served with Eryngi Mushroom, Scallion Oil and Beef Jus was its partner and,
while a decent dish in itself, the liquid accomplice to this course is the part
that will be remembered.
neo tamarind
Grilled Beef Tenderloin 
Dessert
was a simple Green Tea Crème Brulee. Another well executed dish, which got, perhaps
unfairly, lost in comparison to the great wine just served.
neo tamarind, cape mentelle
Green Tea Crème Brulee
Keep
your eye out for Cape Mentelle wines in the best restaurants throughout Kuala
Lumpur.

6 Comments

  1. Looked like a fantastic dinner! too bad we missed it coz we were in Sydney.. no matter we had loads of Cape Mentelle there, to make up for it;)

  2. I like the bouquets, wish I can bring back some 😛

  3. definately a lovely wine pairing! great seeing you there…

  4. OMG the wine……wish to spend my anivesarry in such environment…

  5. Hey, I thought u're taking me up a spa! Such a nice ambience, gorgeous table setting & good food!

  6. The table setting looks very good. Warm feeling.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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