Nov Makan Session@TamKah

Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst 2004 Vendanges Tardives:
A solid grandcru from Alsace region in which the grapes are hand sorted (hengst) and late-harvested (vendages tardives) to bring out the structure, complexity of the wine. I have previously tried their sparkling and it was pretty value for money but this GrandCru was out of this world. I have to say i like this wine very much.

Eye: Deep honeyed golden hue, alcohol leg
Nose: Intense complex nose of rose petal, floral back with structured honey screaming at you when you nose it. candied. WHAO!
Body: Whao, good mids, structure, and body that coated your teeth. Very good acidity and great length. Good integration of acid and fruits. Excellent! slight secondary lift on the back palate of honey. This could easily keep for 10 years while it shed its honey and reveal the secondary floral characters.
Ratings: 4/5

Verdict: One of the very best Gewurtraminer I had ever tasted. Complex stuff with a beautiful candied honey nose/body that comes in a elegant/harmonious package. For someone who do no enjoy sweet wines, this wine SINGS!

Meerlust Rubicon 1998/2001:
A Bordeaux Blend from South Africa with distinctively new world style of big fruit.

Eye: Deep purplish red for the 01 while the 98 exhibit some pale brown at the rim
Nose: 01 was too big, currant,berries nose while the 98 was more integrated. Some leather and cassis but it was not pleasurable and harmonious for both.
Body: I just took a sip of 01 and it was excessively fruity and heavy. For the 98, it was in better integration between acid and body but I did not enjoy both the wines too much. Simply lacking in a whao factor and elegance.
Ratings: <3/5 style="font-weight: bold;">
Verdict: I guess my palate has evolved and i am looking for elegance, integration and character in my wines (besides a great QPR ratio). Do not expect to find them in these 2 wines. However, Meerlust aim is not to replicate an old world wine but rather, to create big fruity food wines to go with heavy dishes (as told by my SA friends). Probably I could have enjoyed these more with a macho bloody steak.

Food picture from the Makansession: Overall the food were very well done especially the sharkfin soup and pencai. Do give this restaurant a try!

Superior Sharks Fin: Unusual sharksfin soup which are thick and heavy.. I like it!
Pencai: Stuffed with Roast Pork, Mushroom, Prawns, Cabbage, sea Cucumbers and what not, I totally dig the roast pork pieces and the cabbage, which was placed underneath the pot, was soft ,extremely flavorful and heavenly. Imagine the cabbage after hours being spent soaking up the essence and juices of all the ingredients. SLURPPPYS. It's A+!