[dropcap size=small]W[/dropcap]ith the number of notable restaurants popping up in our already dense culinary landscape, institutions like Mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore are often crowded out. Its collaboration with Penfolds, Australia’s premier wine brand, for a one-night dinner next month should restore its standing in the public’s consciousness.

The evening sees the brand’s charismatic chief winemaker Peter Gago rolling out Penfolds’ 2016 collection to the accompaniment of a sumptous five-course dinner created by Lucas Glanville, Grand Hyatt’s executive chef.

The star of the show is the 2012 Penfolds Grange Shiraz, which recently garnered 100 points from master of wine Andrew Caillard. The wine is served at the end of the meal, with a dessert of fresh rye bread and luscious melted Mont d’Or cheese topped by black truffle shavings.

2012-penfolds-grange-shiraz

Guests will have to pace their appetites accordingly, however, as the prior courses – a seafood platter compromising of rock oysters, scallops, wild king prawns and blue swimmer crab; Chinese roast duck and crispy pork belly; and a generous portion of slow-roasted Australian wagyu beef ‘Wellington’ encased with a chicken and tarragon pate – will challenge their stomach capacity.

As to the collection, Australia is not traditionally known for its chardonnays but this is changing. Two, the 2015 Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, recently named Australia’s best Chardonnay, and the popular Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay, are launched here to complement fresh seafood. The result, like the rest of the pairings, is superb. The Penfolds Collection Release dinner paired with eight wines is priced at $250, and takes place on Thursday, Nov 15, 7pm, at Mezza9, Grand Hyatt Singapore.

For booking, visit www.ticketbooking.com.sg/penfolds