Thursday, July 05, 2012

At the Taj: Expessions of Stellenbosch Berg, Helderberg & Banhoek

The tasting corner in the Taj’s elegant foyer
Hempies du Toit, Annandale’s owner/winemaker and Caroline Poulter
Ronel Wiid Winemaker Bartinney with owner Rose Jordaan
View of Mint restaurant at the Taj, venue for the Expressions of… dinners
Hempies du Toit chatting to Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Willem du Toit the restaurant manager introducing Janice Anderson, the chef at 96 Winery Road, who was responsible for all the food that evening
Werner Engelbrecht of Waterkloof talking about his wine
The starter was a Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with truffle oil drizzled  on top. Absolutely the best dish of the evening. Marvellously rich and satisfying. Served with both the Eikendal Chardonnay 2011 and the Kleine Zalze Pinot Noir 2010
Lynne and Willem du Toit discussing the food and wine pairings

Second course of a Ballontine of pasture reared chicken, stuffed with walnuts and celery and served on an apple risotto with a Cointreau jus. Served with Ken Forrester’s Chenin Blanc Reserve 2011 and Ken Forrester’s Petit Pinotage 2010 which Lynne liked. Another one to add to the only 2 pinotages she enjoys!
Main course of Dukkah spiced kudu loin with smoked sweet potato puree and grapefruit marmalade.  Served with Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2010
The (almost) bridge too far. The mini dessert platter of chocolate tarte, crème brulée and a berry crumble. Served with two stunning dessert wines, Waterford’s Heatherleigh NV, and Eikendal NLH 2008
 All these photographs are © John Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus cc, 2012

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