It may seem incongruous to write about cheese when at a wine tasting, but the latest event at the Holiday Inn Pattaya was truly something out of the ordinary. Whilst I have tasted Australian wines from McGuigan, I had never tasted cheese from Thailand’s Chiang Rai region.
On first taste, the Chiang Rai Blue was just sensational, closely followed by Smoked Tomme de Chiang Rai and then a Vintage Cheddar. The fourth Chiang Rai cheese, a Wenslydale, was too bland for me, though remember that both wine and cheese preferences are individual. However, it is worth a trip to Chiang Rai just to get hold of some. Congratulation Daniel Boswell (F&B) and Chef Jason Large on introducing these cheeses to Pattaya.
The wines began with a Black Label Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvee Brut, not much in the bubble department, but “pleasant”.
The second wine was a red, McGuigan Private Bin Merlot. Not the full-bodied wine we expect from Australia these days, and improved with additional breathing time (while I went and sampled more Chiang Rai cheeses).
The next wine was the McGuigan Private Bin Chardonnay, a very fruity wine, and perhaps a little bland.
The fourth wine was the McGuigan Private Bin Shiraz, and this was a very good Australian, soft on the palate and a good finish. I liked this one.
Next up was the McGuigan Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, not a bad SVB, but the best was left till last – a McGuigan Black Label Merlot. This was more akin to the Aussie wines, a great drop.
The Holiday Inn has been having these tastings at the end of the month for some time now and has a dedicated following for both wine and cheese lovers and very well dressed ladies, and those who just enjoy a night out in great surroundings at the Havana Bar.
Thank you Holiday Inn, it was a fun night.
