Some of the best sommeliers in the world visited Sydney this week to coincide with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 event program.
Wine Australia selected 50 sommeliers from leading restaurants and bars across the world to visit Australia to get to know our major wine regions, meet the winemakers and experience the breadth of Australian wine.
The group comprised sommeliers from a number of esteemed restaurants on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including Joo Lee, Sommelier from Eleven Madison Park in New York (ranked number 3 in 2016), Seamus Williams-Sharkey, Head Sommelier at The Ledbury in London (ranked number 14 in 2016), Vladimir Kojic, Head Sommelier at Gaggan in Bangkok, (ranked number 1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017) and Guillermo Cruz, Head Sommelier at Mugartiz Restaurant in San Sebastian (ranked number 7 in 2016).
At the Sunset at Bondi Beach event at Bucket List on Saturday night we played the international field then stuck with local Sydney Sommelier Fred Slater from fine dining restaurant Bouche On Bridge for our wine choices. His picks of the night? Well here you have them. And his tasting notes...
Jilly Wines “Big Cats” Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Tempranillo 2016
A blend of three grapes all used in making Port (Tempranillo is known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal), blackberries, sweet spice and earthy notes come through on the nose. The taste is juicy and vibrant, with fine tannins and a soft texture.
Clonakilla “O Riada” Shiraz 2015
From more obvious flavours of raspberry and darker berries to more subtle notes of plum, sweet spice and chocolate and a hint of pepper. There is a lot to think about with this wine during it’s long finish
Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier 2015
Lovely perfumed nose of spice, with flavour characteristics of raspberry and cherry. Tannins are light and fine, with a lengthy, harmonious finish.
Capital Wines “The Senator” Chardonnay 2015
This wine has a little oakiness to it due to fermentation in barrel. It isn’t overpowering, however, as stone fruit and citrus combine with a slight creaminess from the lees stirring. All in all an elegant, quaffable chardonnay.
Eden Road Riesling 2016
Good, crisp acidity brings with it vibrant citrus notes with tropical fruit and a hint of spice. Very fresh and youthful tasting with a zippy finish.
Following their Sydney visit the sommeliers attended The World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards in Melbourne on Monday night alongside the best chefs in the world, and are now immersed in regional Australia during their ten day visit.
