A truly perfect match was made last Saturday evening when Romar Trading’s Clive Faustin hosted a special wine dinner at popular El Gaucho restaurant. Held in honor of Mrs. Kris Shirley Endean, director of Sales of Banks Channel Ltd, representative of Australian Penfolds wines, the evening was spectacular. Kudos for El Gaucho chef Essy Winterdaal, who whipped up a delicious four-course dinner for the 50-plus guests that had been seated in the elegant dining room of the restaurant. As the expert waiters poured, served and cleared away the plates, we had a chance to talk to Mrs. Endean.
“My company represents several brands that Romar Trading carries,’’ said Kris, and she mentioned Penfolds, Graham’s Port, Château St. Jean, Rodney Strong, Etude, Ramey, Concannon, Almaden, Glen Ellen and Lindemans as just a few. “Penfolds is one of the largest Australian brands, globally well-known. Australia is best known for its spicy Shiraz, the most popular varietal, but because of its diversity in its climate, there are many different outstanding wines coming from that continent. Tonight will just be a tiny showcase,’’ she said.
As the appetizer of jumbo shrimps with a spicy garlic sauce was served, glasses were filled with a delicious, full-flavored Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2006. Light and fruity, it had a subtle underlay of moderate oak. When the grilled lamb chops with mint jelly and mashed potatoes graced the table, a Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2005 with flavors of cherry chocolate, plums and fruitcake created heavenly havoc on the palate.
A Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2006 with its classic, fruit-driven, full-bodied aroma of blackberries caused goose bumps: it was outstanding with the Argentine tenderloin, mini pincho and grilled vegetables. And if one did not eat one’s fill yet, superb Argentinian crêpes were served with Graham’s Six Grapes Port.
A big hand for El Gaucho and for Romar Trading Company. This was a treat to remember!