By Paul Hunter

Aperitif
Wolfberger Cre`mant d’Alsace Rose´ NV. 12% abv.
Delicate salmon colour, plenty of small bubbles. Light strawberry aromas with a creamy mouthfilling mousse and a soft acid finish. The wine was made from 100% Pinot Noir.

Tomatoes in sesame sauce
Domaine Houchart White Blend, 2007, 12.5% abv.
This Domaine in the Co^tes de Provence appellation is owned by Genevie`ve the wife of Je´ro^me Quoit, whose name appears on the label. The wine is a blend of Vermentino (a white grape originating in Spain and known in France as Rolle) and Clairette a traditional Provencal white grape. A bright green/gold colour with floral aromas and grapefruit and mineral flavours on the palate. Very short light acidic finish.

Foie gras somen
Puligny Montrachet, Goichot, 2002, 13% abv.
This Bourgone appellation is famous for its exceptional Chardonnays and some exceptional prices. The wine had a pale gold colour with a melon fruit nose. The palate had the typical buttery chardonnay texture but seemed to lack balance. The finish was light fruit/acid. A drink now wine.

Zhenjiang pork spareribs
Chateau Marqius de Calon, 2002, 12.5% abv.
This Saint-Estephe red is the second label of the northernmost classed growth in Bordeaux, Calon Segur. A brick red colour and a rich fruit nose, however the fruit did not develop in the mouth where tannins and acid were more pronounced.Tannins were pleasant on the finish. The ribs could have supported a bigger bodied wine.

Oolong tea smoked chicken
Chateau Ferran, 2004, 12.5% abv.
The Chateau is located in the Pessac-Le´ognan appellation, southern Bordeaux. It has received ‘Agriculture Biologique’ accreditation for producing wine organically. This wine is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense cherry colour with a red fruit and slightly smoky aromas. A medium bodied wine with nicely balanced fruit and tannins on the palate. Quite a long finish with lingering tannins.

Furong chicken soup
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2005, 14.5% abv.
The origin of the name Vieux Lazaret dates back to the 18th century where existed in the village of Chatea^uneuf-du-Pape a lazaret or hospice for the sick. The Domaine in the southern Rho^ne is now owned by Vignobles Je´ro^me Quiot. This red wine is 60% Grenache noir, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourve`dre. A ruby-red colour and deeply scented spicy aromas. The palate was a well balanced mix of rich fruit, acid and tannins. The high alcohol was noticeable in the warm fruity finish. This wine should have a long life.

Dan Dan noodles
Domaine Houchart Rose´, 2006, 13.5% abv.
From ‘Cotes de Provence’ a blend of 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet, 5% Mourve`dre and 5% others.
Light pink colour with a light berry bouquet, fresh acidity and a dry finish.

Xi Yan signature tang yuan in old ginger soup
Vieille Prune des Trois Rois, 40% abv
A Grappa style ‘Grande Liqueur’. The strong alcohol was a good balance with the ‘tang yuan’.