Conran's new restaurant in Shoreditch, The Boundary is swiftly becoming a cult in the area, both for the many business men still eager to close deals over a really good (though by no means exhorbitant) meal and by Shoreditch's many trend-setters who emigrate to the roof top terrace for a glass of exceptionally well madeViognier or one of the many other well picked wines available.
The restaurant downstairs is where I had the pleasure of spending a leisurely evening last night. Great company was a given, eagerly anticipated was the food which certainly didn't dissapoint (try the charcuterie plate to start) but what really made the evening so memorable? The excellent service of the incredibly approachable and compitent sommelier. Eager to recommend wine to go with the food, it was not a case of being handed the most expensive bottle on the list by a grinning waiter with pound signs in his eyes, but a genuine pairing of a delicious wine that would compliment the array of dishes on the table with knowledge and frankness.
We started with a glass of Philipponnat 'Royal Reserve' Brut, absolutely perfect for awakening the palate after a long days work with it's ripe fruit, delicate biscuity mouthfeel and delightfully zippy acidity.
This was all too quickly followed by the Easthope 'The Gatecrasher' 2007 from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Now this was an absolute cracker!!! 100% Sauvignon Blanc but made as though it was a fine Burgundy, oodles of wonderfully creamy rich elegant fruit with perfectly integrated oak displaying weight and depth, it suddenly explodes on the finish with a fabulous citrus zest twist and lingers delightfully on the tongue. This blew a few socks off around the table, nice work Mr. Easthope!
To compliment the fact we'd all opted for various forms of fishful fancy, we were served, again on recommendation with a Bourgogne Rouge 2006 from Domaine Robert Arnoux, Burgundy. What struck you immediately about this was the absolute purity of fruit. It was like listening to a choir hitting the perfect high note - what a pleasure!
Just when we thought the evening had come to an end, we were suprised by the Aussie Sommelier with a little something from his homeland, but not something I had ever anticipated! It was a Pink Moscato from the Yarra Valley made by Innocent Bystander. It was light, just a hint of sweetness and a hint of sparkle. Fruity but balanced, spritzy yet elegant, a touch of sweetness to finish the meal but light enough for you to want more, and at only 5% alcohol we did have some more. In the glow of the candle light it was the perfect way to end the evening.
The 4 of us left the restaurant highly contented and planning our return trip.
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