Hery Merdeka Pasaribu (Photo: Anantara Desaru Coast)
Cover Hery Merdeka Pasaribu (Photo: Anantara Desaru Coast)

The idyllic resort restaurant's impressive wine list had won it the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for two years in a row

Our By The Glass series sees sommeliers and wine experts share some vinous inspiration for your next pour.

For two straight years, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort's Sea.Fire.Salt. has been recognised by Wine Spectator for its exceptional wine service with an impressive selection.

Hery Merdeka Pasaribu heads the team at the restaurant and boasts a deep knowledge of the wine the resort offers, which consists of both New World and Old World wines.

Related: By the Glass: Bernice Liu, Celebrity and Wine Entrepreneur

An early (in your career) wine that made you go "Wow! I want to be a sommelier"

In 2008, I was lucky enough to open my first memorable wine, a bottle of Marques de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc 2005.  It was the start of my love affair with wines, especially Old World wines. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be in the wine business. 

Most memorable pour

2010 Chateau Angelus Saint – Emilion  Grand Cru. It has a deep, dark ruby red colour over notes of mature dark black fruits, fresh cassis, coffee, with a soft acidity, which gives it a more harmonious and long finish.

Tipple for a Tuesday

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021. It's got an aromatic and floral intensity, leaving notes of strongly ripe passionfruit on your palates, hence giving it a more refreshing characteristic, especially when you open it on a particularly sunny day.

Sun, sea, and what?

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014. With leafy notes accented by a pink grapefruit aroma and flavour, it is an easily drinkable sauvignon blanc, especially for young wine lovers.

What you wish a customer would order (so you can taste it—for taint, of course)?

Petrus - Pomerol 2014. It is a wine that has a smooth surface of ripe fruits and rich blackberry, and its acidity and rich fruit are combined with a fine, dusty tannin.

What's one bottle you're saving for a really big moment?

Again, the Petrus - Pomerol.

Best from your ‘by-the-glass' list

Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio, Toscana. 

See also: By The Glass: Dennis Chong, Sommelier at Eat and Cook

What you love to recommend to guests

The unexplored Italian wine, Castello Banfi Brunello de Montalcino DOCG. It embodies a rich flavour of dark fruits, ripe plum and has a strong, smoky aroma.

Bottle to bring to a dinner party

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Yellow Label Brut. Fruit dominates this famous champagne, with hints of minerality and toast, indicating some age in the bottling.

A bottle you haven't tried but really want to

Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Grand Cru Classe Pauillac, Bordeaux 2008.

What’s in your cellar?

I do have a bottle of Dom Perignon 2010, a complex and traditional bubbly.

Last glass you’ve had

A glass of the Chilean Marques de Casa Concha 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a spicy and herbaceous aroma.

It’s your last meal, what bottle are you having with it?

Definitely my first wine, a Marques De Riscal Sauvignon Blanc 2005.

If not wine, then what?

I like to enjoy a Screwdriver cocktail when I am out chilling.

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