Bentley Restaurant + Bar

Pitt & Hunter Sts, Sydney, NSW
(02) 8214 0505

thebentley.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Nick Hildebrandt & Ben Gardiner
WINEs ON LIST 1,400 (50 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($60-$10 by the glass)

It can be really, really tricky to create an outstanding digestif list, one that is diverse, intriguing, enticing and downright fabulous, although that certainly doesn’t mean impossible. Just check out Bentley’s compilation for a case in point. It must be said that this restaurant is no stranger to our wine awards – it nabbed the top gong a few years back.

‍Nick Hildebrandt and sommelier Ben Gardiner certainly know how to inspire and coax diners to drink well, and when it comes to a digestif they have all the options covered. Expect glasses of eaux de vie, perhaps one from Alsace producer Domaine Weinbach, and an Il Moscato di Nonino grappa that feature alongside a neat range of Cognac, Armagnac, calvados, whisky and whiskey.

But it is also the in-between stuff that delights such as a wonderful range of fines and marcs. How about a ’94 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Marc or a ’98 Domaine Tempier or perhaps a shot of chartreuse from a choice of 10 different styles? Yes please. While traditionally to aid digestion after a meal, there’s something rather stylish about a digestif to finish your dining experience, especially a great one at Bentley.  

JANE FAULKNER