A class above - 1990 Hill of Grace

16 Aug 2016: We finally made it to this long anticipated dinner which was originally going to be a Grange mini vertical dinner. With the passing of time, the theme was swapped for the classic Syrah/Shiraz evening. Impeccable and extremely professional service by the team at Another Place by David Myers @ HIP Cellar, and above all excellent and artistically presented dishes.  There was general consensus that the duck course was the star dish - sadly I did not take a photo - it looked so tempting, that we could hardly wait to tuck into it! 

Marinated kodama watermelon, ama ebi, edamame salad, yuzu kosho

1996 Chardonnay Extra Cuvée de Reserve, Pol Roger 
We started with this champagne. Layers of pear, almonds, brioche, rich and exuberant without heaviness, with creamy mousse and a lively crisp finish. Excellent drop, still very fresh at 20 years! 18/20

2000 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre, Raveneau
Sadly, oxidised aldehyde notes prevented our enjoyment.  This calls for another bottle from the same case to be tasted soon!

The line-up of 4 Syrahs

1978 Hermitage La Chapelle, Jaboulet
Black plum, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, wild herbs, game, black pepper, whiff of VA, vibrant acidity, elegant tannin, very long finish. Not quite the gargantuan 100-pointer that we were expecting. Wine lost its freshness and revealed a dull and coarse palate after about an hour. Worth investigating with another bottle from the same case to see if this wine is at risk of decline. 17/20


1980 Grange, Penfolds
Sweet vanilla, coconut, blackberry, minty chocolate, black pepper, firm structure, velvety tannin, firm acidity. A lush wine with a slightly rustic edge, not quite as suave. Lacked personality. 96% Shiraz. 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now and over next 8-10 years. 17/20

Interestingly, the 1980 Grange cork did not have any engravings on it.
Just a plain cork.

1990 Grange, Penfolds
Topped up with 2006, recorked in 2011. Blackcurrant, spicy, vibrant acidity, sweet vanilla, coconut, the elegant palate belies a big and powerful structure. This recorked bottle seemed youthful but very ready to please . 95% Shiraz, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon for original vintage. Long way to go. Drink now and over next 10+ years. 17.5/20

Slow-cooked Iberico pork loin, confit fingerling potatoes, yuzu jus

1990 Hill of Grace, Henschke
Gamey, slight hint of black pepper, sweet finish, harmonious, integrated with velvet tannins, minty chocolate, hint VA but enough to detract from its singular beauty and elegance. A stylish wine that has aged magnificently and gracefully. A class above the rest of the flight. Very persistent finish. Drink now and over next 10+ years. 19.5/20 (Very beautifully paired with the duck cooked under sous vide!)

Strawberry shortcake, almond milk, burnt miso ice cream

1882 Ne Oublie, Graham's
Quite different from the Scion. Layers of toasted walnuts, dried orange peel and balsamic nuances. Beautifully integrated. The anticipation from watching the bottle being extracted from the heavy encasement, to being opened, then the pouring and finally the tasting was simply breathtaking. On the palate, there was a freshness that kept the body of the wine lithe and vivacious, whereas from memory, the Scion was more unctuous and opulent. The bouquet lingering on the glass was simply mesmerizing. A very memorable end to a wonderful dinner. 20/20

Our menu - highly recommended!