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Mondial events feature the beverage as the hero of the night and allow members to educate their palates in a structured tasting. 

 

As this is predominantly a tasting event, we had a light dinner with plates to complement the wine.

 

• The event commenced with Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Riesling 2019.  Leeuwin Estate is one of the premier producers of the region. Members enjoyed a nose of citrus, sweet spice and a subtle perfume of apples. The palate delivered freshness with flavours of limes and apples.

  • The wine was accompanied by Sashimi of Salmon with Avocado, wasabi puree and native finger lime.
     

• Dormilona Blanco Semillon 2020 is a completely natural wine made with no additions or intervention, just fermented grape juice.  This wine was interesting as it is macerated on its skins which is unusual in white wine giving the wine an orange hue.  Whilst it was different to most semillon, members agreed it was “nice to try”.

  • Accompanied by Silken Tofu Stuffed Zucchini Flower with Ginger, Shallot and Soy
     

• Next were two Chardonnays side by side, both from the same year but made differently and at different price points.

  • Domaine Naturaliste ‘Floris’ Chardonnay 2019. Rated by James Halliday as the best value winery in 2020, the winemakers described Floris as a “modern and engaging expression of our local clone into wine ... with emphasis on balance and freshness.  Floris exhibits delicate textures and floral notes reminiscent of white jasmine flowers.”

  • Pierro Chardonnay 2019 winemakers commented “our chardonnay is the First Lady of the PIERRO Household. Elegant, poised and refined with a fruity undertone, like any self-respecting Duchess. Her reputation precedes her from years of experience and loyalty to her style. Her white peach and nectarine skin lit up by a seamless smile and a playful citrus twinkle in her eye, a beautiful, steely structure and her flowing skirts trail behind her in a long, harmonious and elegant finish”.  Members agreed.

  • Accompanied by a designer Pork Sandwich
     

• Two Cabernets side by side completed the event.  

  • LS Merchants Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 described this vintage as “Loaded with blue fruits and raspberry acidity complemented by briary hints and a touch of chocolate.  This wine is delicate however gravelly tannins match the acid to give length.”

  • Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ Cabernet Sauvignon blend 2018 was definitely the “piece de resistance”.  As a founding Margaret River region winery Cullens is on the bucket list for most visitors. That Vanya Cullen was awarded 2020 Winemaker of the Year award makes the pull of this organic and biodynamic vineyard that much stronger.  Vanya reported “2018 produced small yields, being 6 tonnes per hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon from biodynamic fruit which created a natural wine with elegance, balance and power. The 2018 Diana Madeline grapes were harvested over the fruit and flower days of the biodynamic calendar, including one full Moon fruit day for the Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  The wine will age for up to 50 years”.  Whilst consistently rated as Exceptional, the 2017 Cullen Diana Madeline was awarded Australia’s Best of Varietal for Best Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • A generous bowl of Chargrilled Lamb Cutlet, Wok Tossed Vegetables and Steamed Jasmine Rice was accompanied by a glass or two of the members favourite wines

 

Members were generous in their appreciation of the input by Sommelier and XO Manager Steve Major.