Legends of Wine

 “Legends of Wine” or “Old Farts” as they may be referred to in some circles were all out and about for the Hyatt Regency Coolum weekend of fine wine and food. After a challenging afternoon out on the golf course the “Legends” dusted themselves off and were ready for the evenings event at Eliza`s restaurant.  As to whether some of these guys should be considered amongst the “Old Farts” or still over with the “Young Guns of Wine” was a matter for humorous debate. Between the six wine makers at the dinner they had just over 200 years experience, so many interesting stories and insights to reflect on.

After a trip down the coast with a glorious full moon reflecting on the ocean, a walk through the grounds of the Hyatt to the welcoming lights of Eliza`s the o`leary walker hurtle sparkling 2004 served on arrival was just what was needed.

Chef Gareth Collins and his team presented us with eight courses which were a delight both visually and to the taste buds.  The team obviously enjoyed preparing and presenting a culinary feast to stimulate both the appetite and create a few conversation pieces. The wines were well matched and with the wine maker on hand to talk us through the wines & with some of their funny and interesting wine stories it was an insightful evening.

 

The Menu

corn & golden shallot cappuccino w pure hazelnut oil matched with:-

barossa valley estate eden valley riesling 2009

pikes the merle riesling 2009

beetroot stained king salmon, white balsamic steeped dutch cream potato

wood roasted baby beet - yandina cress :-

tahbilk marsanne 1999, tahbilk marsanne 2009

 

barramundi w roasted rice - tamarind - pineapple broth, steamed bok choy:-

geoff merrill rose 2009

truffled egg custard - bendelle duck & pumpkin scone

pike and joyce adelaide hills pinot noir 2007

 

double beef consomme w yorkshire pudding & horseradish:-

john`s blend cabernet sauvignon 2005, tahbilk ESP cabernet sauvignon 2004

 

wild goat pie - celeriac & sweet potato w baby lansbourough zucchini

geoff merrill reserve shiraz 2001, johns blend shiraz 2001

 

“jelly & ice” - carles roquefort- granny smith apple

o`leary walker clare reserve shiraz 2006, barossa valley estate ebenezer shiraz 2005

 

Chefs Alfresco

The turn out for the Chefs Alfresco Sunday session was a capacity crowd who all enjoyed an abundance of good food and wine. There was a wine to suit even the most discerning of wine drinkers, with region and terroir being the main focus. Forty eight wine stands strutted their stuff to an enthusiastic crowd who were more than willing to taste from the abundance of styles and varieties.  The “sparkling garden” was a new addition to the event and judging from the response another crowd pleaser has been created.

The A Team enjoying their day out