Ulithorne Wines at WIP, Bangsar Shopping Centre: Restaurant Review

WIP, one of BSC’s top destinations for both dining & drinking, this month staged a memorable evening that showcased the vintages of acclaimed Australian winemaker Rose Kentish, who shuttles between McLaren Vale & France, producing wines under her Ulithorne label.

Six Beautiful Ulithorne Wines

Kentish presented six beautiful Ulithorne wines, all enthusiastically received at this wine dinner, paired with terrific courses whipped up in WIP’s kitchen. These wines – notable for their elegant restraint & their lush purity in fruit quality – are currently available at WIP, well worth enjoying. Thanks to WIP’s winsome team for hosting us here.

Foie Gras Terrine

You know you’re in capable hands when the starter’s a sumptuous foie gras terrine, its boldness gorgeously balanced by ginger pear chutney, shaved truffles & a blood orange reduction.

Charismatic enough in their own right to partner with the terrine: Ulithorne Corsus Vermentinu 2013 (usual price RM329 nett per bottle), from vines grown on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, & a relatively dry, delicate Epoch Rose 2013 (RM329).

Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque, with nuggets of crustacean meat beneath the saffron foam, accompanied by a juicy seafood tortellini. Partnered with a McLaren Vale Chi Grenache Shiraz 2012 – described as ‘not your typical jubey-sweet Grenache’ (RM378).

Slow-Poached Halibut

Slow-poached halibut, flaky & fresh-tasting, in a briny broth that speaks of the ocean, with baby fennel & potato.

Herb-Crusted Beef

For heartier appetites: Herb-crusted beef, expertly executed, with butternut squash mousseline, pencil asparagus & morel jus. These mains were vibrantly coupled with Paternus Cabernet Shiraz 2011 & Frux Frugis Shiraz (RM460), from single-vineyard Shiraz planted by Kentish’s father-in-law in the 1960s.

Passion Fruit Chocolate Mousse

Passion fruit chocolate mousse with three-berry salsa, rounded out with Dona Village 2013 (RM251), a special wine with a philanthropic philosophy – a financial donation is channelled to a charity by Ulithorne for every bottle bought. The Dona GSM is typically meant for lighter meats, but it goes well with bitter dark chocolate desserts too.