Testamatta 2001 at Whisk

9 July 2010: We ventured across to Tsim Sha Tsui and tried a new restaurant in Hong Kong - Whisk at The Mira. The restaurant had a modern and open decor, in the style of a chic bistro. The best thing about the restaurant was the service which was professional, friendly and client-oriented. The staff under Polish manager Michael's watchful eye were all extremely helpful and sommelier Taka was very knowledgeable. They very readily changed Richard's sauteed spinach when we told them that he didn't like it with garlic. I was delighted to see that the restaurant took salads seriously. I started with a beautifully tossed gourmet salad, followed by the angel hair with lobster and aromatic oils, one of their signature dishes. Richard started with a warm king prawn salad and then followed with the suckling pig. All the dishes were tasty and well-presented, combining good flavours, fresh ingredients and a familiar comfort from homecooking, without those frequently exploited touches of uber-chic flamboyance (foams, crisps and bubbles!). Unfortunately, we did not find room to fit in the very special apple tart - a must for our next visit! Our rating for Whisk: Food (4/5), Service (5/5), Ambiance (3/5), Price (4/5).

For our wines, we started with a glass of Billecart-Salmon rosé to celebrate the end of a week that felt very long! We ordered a half of 2005 Henri Boillot Puligy-Montrachet Clos de La Mouchère from the list. Aromoas of smoke, butter, lemon curd, nutty, pepper, spice and vanilla, intricately interlaced, making this a harmonious and attractive bouquet. Already quite approachable. Well-balanced, just the right amount of richness, roundness and a good backbone of acidity. Good length. Drinking very well now, and will continue to evolve over next 4 - 5 years. 17.5/20

Then we tried the Bibi Graetz Testamatta IGT 2001. An artist turned winemaker. Bibi Graetz chooses different grape varieties for his Testamatta every year. For 2001, it was a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino, grape varieties commonly found in a Chianti. It was a great discovery! Deep ruby core. Intense and complex nose of red cherries, tea leaves, tobacco, liquorice and herbal, with hints of sweet oak. A wine of immense display of ripe fruit concentration, balance and charm, with vibrant acidity and well integrated smooth tannins. Drinking well now, an excellent match with Mediterranean dishes, but will continue to evolve over next 3 - 4 years. 16.5/20