Stylish Margaret River wines: China World, Beijing

28th October 2008

Watson’s Wines of Hong Kong, now thankfully active in the Beijing market, hosted Margaret River producer Clairault for a special lunch at China World’s Aria restaurant with Clairault’s own chef in tow and a specially devised menu.

On tasting at the lunch were (click on links for full tasting notes):

Clairault Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Served with beetroot-cured salmon with avocado cream, horseradish and a lemon and herb oil

Clairault Cabernet Merlot 2004

Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Both served with fillet of venison with red wine braised tomato, grilled asparagus, roast leeks and watercress

The Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot both weigh in at a relatively reasonable 162RMB, well-priced for the Beijing market. The Estate Cabernet is 393RMB, but is clearly a fine wine that, again in terms of the market here, does punch above its weight compared with some of the 400RMB and above offerings we see.

Paul Easden, Clairault Sales Manager, gave a sensibly pitched introduction to the property and Clairault’s philosophy.

These wines are clearly fine additions to Watson’s already impressive list which boasts the likes of Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Jean Grivot, Domaine Leflaive, numerous top Bordeaux properties, Jean Louis Chave and some very good New World producers (e.g. New Zealand’s Palliser and Australia’s Katnook Estate).