REVIEW
It’s no surprise that wine is the focal point here: the restaurant is surrounded by vineyards and a nearby cellar door showcases St Hugo’s collection. The multinational owner, Pernod Ricard, is also presenting the venue as a lavish extension of its prestige wine brand. An intimate dining room has been constructed within a restored 1854 ironstone building, flanked by a grand wine tasting lounge and expansive timber deck. The restaurant serves only tasting menus matched to St Hugo wines – and chef Mark McNamara revels in the challenge, using ingenuity to avoid obvious or conservative pairings. Robust mulloway fillet in red wine, shallots, fresh peas, wakame and thyme is boldly teamed with Vetus Purum Cabernet Sauvignon. Subtle cross-cultural fusion is evident in superb twice-cooked duck breast and braised leg with black sesame and molasses. For dessert, whipped avocado and macadamia tart is well matched to luscious tawny.
Phone:
(08) 8115 9200
Website:
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
Licensed
Bar
Vegetarian-friendly
Wheelchair Access
Private room
Accepted card types:
American Express
Eftpos
MasterCard
Visa
Chef(s):
Mark McNamara
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Food: ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
