Vasse Felix & Print Hall Collaboration Dinner

On Tuesday night, Mr CK and I treated ourselves to a night out at the Vasse Felix & Print Hall Collaboration Dinner. This special event, held at Print Hall Dining Room, saw Vasse Felix’s Aaron Carr and Print Hall’s Shane Watson present guests with a five course dinner paired with selection of current and museum Vasse Felix wines. The wines were presented by Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock, who added the perfect amount of wine knowledge to our meal.

For starters we enjoyed Oyster, Linseed, Sorrel alongside Kingfish, Gin and Tonic, one appetiser from each head chef. These were paired with the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. It was the perfect beginning to the meal.

First course was Raw Scarlet Prawn, Chèvre, Lemon and Rye by Shane Watson, paired with 2013 'Filius' Chardonnay. It was delicious, and matched with this Chardonnay was excellent. I am not usually a fan of Chardonnay, but the 'Filius' was a hit.

Second course was by Aaron Carr from Vasse Felix. We ate Marron, Apple, Egg Yolk, Jasmin Tea and Beach Herbs, paired with both the 2012 Heytesbury Chardonnay and the 2009 Heytesbury Chardonnay for comparison. A lovely light dish with just a touch of asian flavours from the Jasmin Tea and miso.

Third course was Pigeon, Buckwheat, Preserved Cherry, Foie Gras by Shane Watson. The pigeon was matched with 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and greatly so.

Mid way through the night, we were surprised by a mystery wine which turned out to be a lovely Bordeaux.

For fourth course we ate tender Venison, Beetroot, Onion, Pepperberry by Aaron Carr, paired with the 2011 Heytesbury.

Fifth and last course of the evening was 'Whisky and Cigars' Lochan Ora, Cocoa Nib by one of Shane Watson's chefs. This unique dessert was paired with 2012 Cane Cut Semillon, the perfect sweet match for this bitter and smokey dish.

The evening was wonderful and hearing chefs Aaron Carr and Shane Watson speak about their food and Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock speak her wine, brought extra dimension to an already lovely night.

I would thoroughly recommend attending a collaboration dinner such as this one at Print Hall or Vasse Felix winery, if you're in Margaret RIver.