This is where a new phenomenon in wine dispensing, Enomatic, makes a very welcome entrance to the world of wine bars. Enomatic machines enable customers to experience wine at the correct temperature and in the right condition, every time.
I'm at Vintry in Clarke Quay, a smart yet relaxed bar with 4 of these Enomatic machines, delivering 32 wines by the glass as well as many others by the bottle. Fazil is Operations Manager, but he also happens to be a very experienced Sommelier, so you are in safe hands here.
First, you purchase a payment card with your chosen amount of credit, grab a glass and choose whether you want a tasting measure (25ml) a small glass (75ml) or a large glass (150ml). It takes the hassle out of buying wine to match food or to suit the personal tastes of a larger group. There are recommendations and scores from Wine Spectator, Parker et al to help you make your choice. What could be easier?
The Local Nose sets Fazil the challenge of coming up with a list of wines that can be sampled for a straight $50 that will impress even the fiercest wine critic. As Fazil really knows his wines and his ever-changing selection, it doesn't take him long to come up with the goods.
Fazil's selection showcases the breadth of wine on offer at Vintry and it's like a journey to the 4 corners of the wine world!
The Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2007 ($4) is a good place to start with it's stone-fruit and citrus flavours with a pleasant whiff of petrol. A refeshing aperitif to begin our adventure.
An Italian Michele Chiarlo Gavi Le Marne 2009 ($3) is next, with classic honeyed aromas and apricot and nettle on the palate. A smooth, balanced wine.
Trimbach Gewürztraminer 2007 ($2.5) is a classic, fragrant, Old World wine that's great with Asian food flavours. Roses and lychee on the nose with vegetal, sweet pea and basil flavours make this deliciously different and utterly compelling.
In direct contrast to the Aussie Riesling, I try Dr Loosen's Wehlener Sohnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2009 ($3) and it is full of lime and peaches, with a lovely sweetness of orange and apricot on the palate. A great opportunity to sample “Kabinett”-style wine at a give-away price!
Robert Mondavi Reserve Chardonnay 2005 ($5.5) is buttery and nutty but made in restrained Old World Burgundy style. There is good acidity to balance that richness of the caramelised pear flavour.
I feel like I've been around the world already and we're only halfway through his list....
On to the reds next, I start with St Clair Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2009 ($2.5) from New Zealand. It has a savoury, smoky bacon nose with red fruits on the palate, and hints of spiced red apple to finish. A super start for the reds!
I'm blown away by the Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru 2006 ($8.5), a top Pinot Noir from Burgundy, that follows. There's warm oak on the nose with more of that spiced red apple; there are warm vanilla hints and cinnamon and almond. Really good.
On to Italy and we visit Gaja Sito Moresco 2008 ($5.5) with it's fresh, chalky, cherry nose and black cherry, treacle, cassis and minty notes on the palate. There is great acidity here, along with integrated oak. Gaja is iconic – you can't fail but be impressed.
Petrolo Torrione 2006, Italy ($4.5) a Sangiovese from Tuscany, supplies menthol cherry and herb aromas with savoury oak and cherry richness on the palate. One to sit back and relax with, definitely.
Next stop is California and a Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet 2006 ($3.5). It has a pure cassis nose with drops of sandlewood oak and capsicum. It is smoky and meaty with fine tannin structure. This would keep and develop over the next few years, but it won't get the chance: it's too good right now!
I'm even getting the opportunity to sample a classed growth Bordeaux in the shape of Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2006 ($8.5) – who would have thought that the money would go so far?! Lovely raisin and tobacco on the nose and palate with red apple spice and warm oak. It is bright and alive, a rare glimpse at the youthful beginnings of a classic Claret.
It all comes to $51 - $1 over, but I think it might have been worth it!
The Enomatic technology means that each wine is in great condition, as you'd expect – this is a machine, after all. However, it's the human touch that makes all the difference and that's what makes Vintry special. You can get involved in choosing your own wine and pouring your own glass and learning about wine. But, best of all, you too can set Fazil the $50 challenge – see what he comes up with!
Some more top choices from Fazil:
Whites:
Mt. Difficulty 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($3)
Franz Haas Manna (Riesling, Chardonnay, Traminer Aromatico, Sauvignon Blanc) 2008 ($4)
Beringer White Zinfandel 2008 ($2)
Reds:
Jean Luc Colombo St Joseph Les Lauves 2007 ($4.5)
Richard Hamilton Centurion Shiraz 2006 ($5.5)
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2007 ($3)
Craggy Range Sophia 2005 ($5)
Yacochuya Malbec 2003 ($8)
Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino, Madonna delle Grazia 2005 ($7)
Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($5.5)
Sweet:
Disznóko 5 puttonyos 2000 ($5.5)
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