A Night of Elegance: The Promontory Wine Dinner at Au Jardin

On the 27th of February 2025, Restaurant Au Jardin in George Town, Penang, hosted an exquisite Promontory Wine Dinner. This event was a celebration of fine wine paired with gourmet cuisine. Guests enjoyed the acclaimed Promontory wines from Napa Valley, matched perfectly with a meticulously crafted multi-course menu. The dinner was hosted by Joe Rorke, Director of Promontory. This exclusive occasion provided a rare opportunity to explore the winery’s exceptional vintages under the guidance of one of its key figures. As a lover of fine dining and wine, I was thrilled to experience this event and share the highlights with you.

Restaurant Au Jardin: A Culinary Haven

Nestled in George Town, Au Jardin is a Michelin-starred destination, recognized in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Malaysia with one star for its high-quality cooking. The restaurant’s name, French for “in the garden,” evokes natural elegance. Its ambiance blends sophisticated indoor dining with subtle nods to greenery instead of an outdoor garden setting. Known for its innovative approach, Au Jardin fuses local and international flavors with precision and creativity. The intimate space and impeccable service made it an ideal stage for the Promontory Wine Dinner.

Promontory: A Napa Valley Gem and Joe Rorke’s Vision

Promontory, a winery founded by the Harlan family of Harlan Estate fame, showcases a labor of love. It's rooted in a rugged terroir between Oakville and Yountville in Napa Valley. Since its inaugural vintage in 2009, Promontory has earned acclaim for its Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wines. These wines reflect a unique geologic convergence of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. The complex terroir imparts distinctive minerality, often compared to Bordeaux First Growths. The use of large, inert Austrian foudres instead of new oak allows the fruit’s natural character to shine.

Joe Rorke, as Director of Promontory, brings this vision to life. With deep ties to the Harlan family’s legacy, Rorke has been instrumental in showcasing Promontory’s finest vintages through exclusive wine dinners worldwide. His presence at the Au Jardin event added authenticity. He guided guests in tasting the 2017, 2018, and 2020 vintages, offering insights into the winery’s evolution and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.

The Culinary Journey: Food and Wine in Perfect Harmony

The evening began with a warm welcome and an amuse bouche of Thosai Bread with Tomato Butter. This dish set the tone for a thoughtfully curated six-course experience. The first pairing introduced the graceful Promontory 2017, served alongside refined Bluefin Tuna Tartare. This dish included a Bikini of Gouda and Fresh Truffle. The wine’s layered complexity was highlighted in the following course: a comforting Chestnut Risotto with Cured Duck Ham and Parmigiano Reggiano.

As the dinner progressed, the Promontory 2018 made its debut. It was paired with a choice of Ex-Dairy Cow Brochette or Aged Pork Medallion, grilled over charcoal. This dish was accompanied by pickled mustard seeds, cucumber, and anchovies emulsion. The boldness and structure of the 2018 vintage paired seamlessly with the dish's intensity.

The most anticipated moment arrived with a magnum pour of Promontory 2020. This wine was paired with Poached Free-Range Chicken accompanied by Conpoy, Foie Gras Farce, Dried Mushrooms, and Stroganoff Jus. It was served alongside a refreshing Strawberry and Ginger Flower component. This pairing brought a sense of awe and silence to the room—a memorable, sensory moment for all in attendance.

To conclude the evening, guests enjoyed a dessert of Mandarin and Jasmine. This dish featured Mandarin Sorbet, Jasmine & Lime Espuma, and Confit Peel, bringing the night to a refreshing close.

The Promontory Wine Dinner was not just a tasting; it was a celebration of terroir, time, and craft. Every sip and every bite told a story, creating lasting memories for all in attendance. We thank our guests for joining us. For those who missed this magical evening, more unforgettable experiences are on the horizon.

Stay connected with us at www.thewineshoppg.com.my or follow us on social media to be the first to know about upcoming wine dinners and events.

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