From left, Eric Li, CH’NG Poh Tiong and Stephane Soret at Jade Palace Singapore on Monday 19 October 2020. Behind them are, from left, The Wind Castle (2010) and The Camellia Village (2010) by Singapore “National Treasure” TAN Swie Hian
Stephane Soret hosted lunch yesterday – Monday 19 October 2020 – at Jade Palace, a 100 Top Chinese Restaurants of the World 2020. Chef Sommelier of the Raffles Singapore Eric Li was also present. It was their day-off from the hotel. Frenchman Soret was part of my panel at Decanter World Wine Awards 2011 which gave Gold to Helan Qing Xue Jiabeilan Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, and which went on to snatch Trophy when tasted blind with other Cabernet and Cabernet blend Golds, including from France, Australia, California and Chile. Yesterday, Soret also served Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006. The pure Chardonnay is just now entering its secondary plane, becoming creamy, a textural sensation rolling with ripe fruit: big yellow flowers, vanilla, apples, pears and melons. It was sensational with the dim sums, particularly those with shrimps and prawns.
Decanter World Wine Awards 2011. Seated from left: Yuka Ogasawara, Stephane Soret and Annette Scarfe. Standing is Regional Chair Asia CH’NG Poh Tiong