In Perth, there are a fair few options for wine tasting and wine dinners but with a view of the ocean and an amazing sunset, there are far less. Then when you are limited on when you can go out (free babysitters), work and exercise commitments, the options are less. So it means those $85 or $95 dinner/degustation deals are not going to be feasible.

The other option if you want to go to a degustation, save up and enjoy the company. So last Saturday, hubby and I had the opportunity to go out and we thought we would treat ourselves. My sister was over visiting so I didn’t feel too guilty leaving her to look after child and having to rush immediately home after dinner, plus she had been actively encouraging it.

We went to the Shorehouse in Swanbourne where they not only have wine dinners on some nights, an interesting wine and food menu but also a degustation menu. We had the 5 Course Chef’s selection with Premium wine match.

The evening started with a wonderfully subtle, tasty, soft Champagne from Andre Clouet with so much depth and flavour to it. Watching the sunset over the ocean was breathtaking and the calmness of the restaurant meant I could start to relax and enjoy the evening. Pierre, the sommelier who served us all evening was so attentive, explaining the origins and information about each wine and answering all our questions.

I loved the wine so much, I asked for another glass to enjoy with our first course, the black Kingfish crudo, cucumber, miso dressing, finger lime, buckwheat, what a palate of flavours!
Next we had a Pinot Noir from Domaine Collotte Le Clos de Jeu 2014 from the Burgundy region of Marsannay in France, in the Côte de Nuits. This was to match the Fremantle octopus, taramasalata, ‘Nduja sausage, confit lemon, kipfler potatoes. I don’t think I’ve ever had octopus, taramasalata, ‘Nduja sausage and kipfler potatoes and they were so tasty.
There followed a rich and tasty Nebbiolo 2013 Barbaresco from Italy to go with winter mushroom risotto, Tuscan cabbage, truffled goat’s curd, sage, pecorino. I was loving all the flavours.
Then we had a wine from Château Brondelle Merlot/Cabernet 2012 in Bordeaux, France with braised beef short rib, celeriac purée, mushroom, wilted spinach, truffle dressing. I could have eaten so much more!
To finish, we had a fantastic, amazing and interesting Royal Tokaji Company Late Harvest 2013 Furmint/Hárslevelú/Sárgamuskotály Tokaji with Vanilla panna cotta, hibiscus poached quince, almond crumble, rhubarb sorbet. It paired so well and I could have tasted more amazing Hungarian sweet wine; we see it so rarely over here, well I do. Probably should get out more….
Needless to say, we had a wonderful few hours tasting, eating, enjoying the view, eachother’s company and the moment. I would highly recommend this degustation menu!

Menu:

Black Kingfish crudo, cucumber, miso dressing, finger lime, buckwheat with Andre Clouet Grand Réserve NV Montagne de Reims Champagne, France

Fremantle octopus, taramasalata, ‘Nduja sausage, confit lemon, kipfler potatoes with Domaine Collotte Le Clos de Jeu Pinot Noir 2014 Marsannay, France

Winter mushroom risotto, Tuscan cabbage, truffled goat’s curd, sage, pecorino with Orlando Abrigo Meruzzano Nebbiolo 2013 Barbaresco, Italy

Braised beef short rib, celeriac purée, mushroom, wilted spinach, truffle dressing with Château Brondelle Merlot/Cabernet 2012 Bordeaux, France

Vanilla panna cotta, hibiscus poached quince, almond crumble, rhubarb sorbet with Royal Tokaji Company Late Harvest 2013 Furmint/Hárslevelú/Sárgamuskotály Tokaji