Description
It has been a long time between drinks. So it stands to reason that my first dinner in a while has to be something special. Please join me in enjoying the Plantagenet Wyjup Collection: Sensational cool-climate, old-vine wines from Granitic soils. Paired with a menu by Al Dente.
This dinner combines the things I love most: Quality Australian wines from an old vineyard and my absolute favourite restaurant in Melbourne. Al Dente provides not only amazing food, but their food matching is the best I have experienced in recent times, and that commitment elevates these dinner experiences immeasurably.
Have you tried the wines from Plantagenet?
I have been drinking them for as long as I have been in the industry. Their Riesling and Shiraz always were tasty and compelling, exemplifying the benefits of cool climate, mature vines and granitic soils. Later, I used to buy some of their cellar release Rieslings from the supplier just for me to drink. I probably should have worded you up too, in hindsight.
Plantagenet Wyjup Collection
What makes the Wyjup range more compelling is that 100% of the fruit comes from the original vineyard, which was planted in 1968 and expanded through the 1970s. This makes the vines at least 50 years old. If you wanted to do a deep dive into the benefits of old vines, here is your opportunity.
Fresh off some cracking reviews from Ray Jordan, I tasted the whole Wyjup range, and they are so impressive it inspired me to host this dinner. The Wyjup style is elegance, grace, nuance, and longevity; exactly what the Mt Barker region can excel at producing and exactly the kind of wines that offer rewards for cellaring. The production of each variety in the range is limited to 1440 bottles. This is a labour of love and an exercise in showcasing the best that Plantagenet can do from their beautiful old vines.
Joining us on the night will be Tom Wisdom
Tom is the man with the passion. He is the owner and vigneron. His first vintage experience at Plantagenet was in 1994. Tom spent a decade working in Margaret River, finally returning to Plantagenet in 2018. In 2021, he acquired the business and fully implemented his vision for the present and the future of the winery.
Proposed Degustation Menu
Plantagenet WYJUP COLLECTION at Al Dente 
14th OCT 2026
ON ARRIVAL
Sourdough blini, cream cheese, Cantabrico anchovy, lemon
2021 Plantagenet Wyjup Blanc de Blanc
ANTIPASTI
Pane, burro, aceto balsamico
Ocean trout, mussels, cucumber, smoked herb mayo, coriander
2025 Plantagenet Wyjup Riesling 95 Points Ray Jordan
PRIMI
Spring pea & Broad bean Bottoni, asparagus, lemon, dill oil, mint, olive powder
2021 Plantagenet Wyjup Chardonnay
2024 Plantagenet Wyjup Chardonnay 96 Points Ray Jordan
SECONDI
Porterhouse, burnt carrot puree, baby carrots, kale, jus
2018 Plantagenet Wyjup Shiraz
2022 Plantagenet Wyjup Shiraz 98 Points Ray Jordan
FORMAGGI
Cheese selection & accompaniments
2022 Plantagenet Wyjup Cab Sauv 97 Points Ray Jordan
2024 Plantagenet Wyjup Malbec 96 Points Ray Jordan
Would you like to join me to enjoy some brilliant Australian wines paired with some of the best food in Melbourne?
The Details
Al Dente Enoteca 161 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Wednesday 14th October. Arrive 6.30pm for Sparkling Wine and Canapés. Seated at 7pm for dinner.
$179 per head, including food, wines, notes, everything.
