Wine Dinner with George Shinas @Suffolk House, Penang
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BY CK Lam
Last July, many food and wine enthusiasts gathered at a wine dinner in the relaxed surroundings of Suffolk House with George Shinas of the Shinas Estate. It was an evening of great food accompanied by hand crafted wines from the vineyards of Victoria, Australia.
Winemaker George Shinas who is a court judge by profession in Australia’s Victoria Province provided some history to his wines which are cheekly named. The range included the Innocent (a Viognier), Verdict (Cabernet Sauvignon), Guilty (Shiraz), Executioner and Sweet Justice (Moscato), all with interesting images on the label.
Suffolk House’s head chef Dave Looi and his team created a gourmet menu for the guests. The meal started at the table with chopped ox tongue with belon oyster and a tasting trio of hamachi, aburi scallop & cured herring with olive oil & lime. The latter was dazzling, with a beautiful play of flavors and colors.
Both dishes were paired with the Shinas Estate Innocent Viognier 2012, a delicately sweet full-bodied white wine made out of 100% Viognier grape.
The Innocent Viognier with an image of a Greek Goddess
Pan seared duck breast saupiquet was next. Finished with asparagus and orange butter nage, the dish was accompanied by the Shinas Estate Verdict Caberbet Sauvignon 2009. This delightful wine goes well with most food.
Dishes continued with oven baked miso black cod, prepared with a combination of spinach and cheese crepe and braised savoy cabbage.
The fish done with care and finesse stood up well to the Shinas Estate Executioner 2009, which was produced on a small fraction out of viognier, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz grapes.
Chef Dave dropped by our table with a glass of Executioner
Chef Looi came up with a refreshing mangosteen and galliano sorbet to cleanse the palate before the serving of the grilled milk fed lamb rack.
Beautifully seasoned and done medium rare, the delicious lamb dish paired well with the red – Shinas Estate Guilty Shiraz 2010. This red wine of the estate with hints of spices smokiness was particularly high in alcohol content, with a whopping 15.5%.
Grilled lamb with aubergine puree, potato croquette stuffed tomato & Shiraz reduction
Dessert was a pleasure. The Casatta Al Sicilina & Fourme D’Ambert Parfait was delivered with the Shinas Estate Sweet Justice Moscatto, a light refreshing sweet white wine with lots of tropical fruits.
The chef & the judge
The event was an opportunity to taste and learn about the estate’s range of wines. When it comes to finding these wines, they are available at Suffolk House Restaurant. The full-bodied red wines offer value as well as exceptional texture.
Suffolk House
250 Jalan Air Itam
10460 Penang
Tel : 04 2283930
Business Hour :
Lunch from 12 noon – 3pm
Tea from 2.30pm – 6pm
Dinner from 7pm – 11pm
* Many thanks to Chef Dave Looi for laying on this invitation.