ICONS OF WA

It was a wonderful balmy evening with Albany rock oysters, focaccia with stracciatella & tomato paired with Leeuwin Estate Brut 2020 sparkling.  This was broadened with the new release shiraz from Leeuwin Estate and their sauvignon blanc.

Once seated, we enjoyed the first entrée of scallops.  These were lightly cured with a Thai taste dressing of lemongrass, aji chilli, coriander and kafir lime salt.  This was paired with the 2022 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling.  This was such a refreshing and light dish that set up the taste buds for more to come.

Our chef Mr Lucas Fernandes addressed the room and explained his dishes. These were very much influenced by his South American heritage and international outlook and experience he has with food.

Next, we were treated to a magnificent maroon dish. A Manjimup marron poached in citrus, bonito butter and dressed with salmon roe and accompanied by steamed spinach.  The dish was accentuated by the paired 2019 and 2020 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay.   

Once again , a superb dish being a treat to the eye as much as to the palate.

During these courses we heard from Ms Simone Furlong, current joint owner and CEO of the original Leeuwin Estate and daughter of the founding owners, Mr & Mrs Denis Horgan.  Simone was a wealth of knowledge about the winery and the wines.  This gave everyone an insight into the development of this renown wine making enterprise and its acclaimed wines.

We also at this time, acknowledged Mr Lou and Mrs Irene Vartesi. Being members for 10 years they received the 10 Year pin.  Congratulations Lou and Irene.

The main course heralded from the Stirling Range.  A beef sirloin, confit pepper, macadamia, chimichurri.  This was paired with the 2018 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2018 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon. A marriage of deep and rewarding taste.

At this stage Michael Tamburri presented the Mystery Wine.  This didn’t disappoint either. An aged Leeuwin Estate red, 1985 and ageing gracefully.  The Mystery was solved by guest Sandra Scicciotti.

From here diners were able to help themselves to a range of aged wines before ending the evening with a refreshing dessert.  Talijancich Delizioso: a milk gelato with a hazelnut crisp, topped with Talijancich 1978 Pedro Ximenes Liqueur.

A fitting end to a wonderful journey of wine and food.  And we thanked our sommelier for the evening; Mr Damien Thomine and his team.  Our thanks also to the Manager Mr Will Roser for all his support in preparing and planning with the committee for the evening.

During the evening Michael Tamburri thanked Member Susan Gale and Eileen English who were the highest bidders for the Batista auction.  This was for 12 museum Batista wines from 1996 plus the latest vintage release.  Money raised from this will go into our Youth Development Fund.