The Critics Panel, No. 002 (With Hotpot)

Out of the three Chinese Chardonnay, all of which imported by Wine Kool, the Chateau Nine Peaks Classic Chardonnay 2023 was said to be the most promising. It was said to “opened after awhile” by one of the event attendees.

Flight 2: Three Rhône Varietals

This Tier 1 Category of Rhône and Rhône-varietals wines proved interesting. There was only one from Crozes-Hermitage, which was the Domaine Gilles Robin Cuvée Alberic 2022. For this flight, participants correctly identified the Rhône wine from the Australian wines. Praises were sung for both the 2023 E.J. McDougall, with attendees split between the Old Vine Shiraz and Old Vine Grenache.

What Attendees Also Came For

The tasting closed within an hour and the room turned communal for Japanese style hotpot. Hotpot, which originated in China during the Zhou to Han dynasties, has now become a widespread favourite with countries around China. Many countries in Asia have their own versions of hotpot, including both Korea and Japan.

The broth is arguably the essence of the hotpot, and attendees savoured the slow-cooked Kinmedai broth, with quality seafood from Neta Seafood sourced by Soshinsen. The room turned jovial, with participants discussing their favourite wines and pouring each other wines to share. Seafood such as scallops, madai, snow crab and Nakanishi wagyu were added to the broth, alongside daikon, tofu, mizuna, shungiko and shiitake mushrooms. Furthermore, rice were added to the remaining broth in true Japanese shime style, as the finishing course.

Event was held at Neta Seafood at East Coast Road. Thank you Vin-Ex Wines and Wine Kool for the wines.