Corks Out SS15 Subang – Wine Bar & Restaurant
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Corks Out wine bar, which first opened its doors in 2016 in TTDI, is rapidly expanding its presence. Indeed, it’s on a bit of a roll. Their mission statement is straightforward yet somewhat bold: “We are going to change the way you drink wine.” Given their offerings’ appeal and their staff’s enthusiasm, I’m confident they will succeed.
The Yum List has previously visited their original TTDI location and, more recently, their Bukit Bintang outlet in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and sampled some excellent dishes and wines. When invited to visit their new premises in the vibrant SS15 area of Subang Jaya, which first opened its doors in December last year, I was eager to see what they had to offer.
Their SS15 outlet is in a thriving commercial district, surrounded by various businesses, shops, and restaurants. It’s also near the Subang Ria recreational park, lake, and golf courses. The bar is easy to spot, especially in the evening when a large neon sign flashes red and blue. Parking can be challenging in this bustling area, so using a ride-hailing service is advisable, especially given the extensive selection of wines that patrons are there to enjoy. So leave the car at home and enjoy the wine!
Upon entering the Subang location, a striking red British phone booth offers a fun photo opportunity to upload to your Instagram. Corks Out’s informal and welcoming decor features prominent metal wine racks that serve as both an impressive display and practical storage. Textured grey walls, exposed ceiling ductwork, and warm pendant lighting create the ambience. During our visit, a wine-tasting event animated the spacious ground floor. Friendly staff guided us up a metal stairwell, its industrial-chic aesthetic enhanced by distressed bare plaster and brickwork. The first floor showcases a vibrant mural depicting an expansive wine cellar. Seating options include adaptable tables for larger groups along the wall, central high bar tables, and bar stools along the bar. A private room at the rear is available for reservations.
The upstairs offers a sleek and well-appointed bar area, perfect for quiet conversations or individual enjoyment. A long, polished light-stone bar counter is the focal point, complemented by dark wood stools and subtle gray paneling. Backlit shelves behind the bar artfully display wine bottles, while elegant glassware hangs from industrial-style racks overhead.
Pendant lights cast a warm and sophisticated glow, ideal for wine enthusiasts. Guests can choose from standard-height wooden tables and metal chairs painted a matching glossy black, or higher, communal-style tables with contrasting light wood-topped stools for a more relaxed setting. Track lighting from the dark, industrial ceiling subtly illuminates the scene.
Even the music selection enhances the overall experience, with light reggae tracks providing a lively yet unobtrusive backdrop that sets an upbeat mood but does not prevent easy conversation.
Corks Out Subang Wine List
Corks Out features a remarkable cellar showcasing wines from established and emerging producers worldwide. Unlike many bars and restaurants with limited by-the-glass options beyond standard house selections, Corks Out offers an impressive list of 15! This provides a significant advantage for those preferring a glass or two without committing to a whole bottle, or those seeking variety beyond typical house offerings.
Corks Out further enhances this with a unique tasting promotion: indulge in any five wines from their curated list for an attractive RM 88 (RM 98 after 8 pm), or for the true wine lover, sample ten different wines for RM 168 (RM 198 after 8 pm). During our visit, the selection included four white and eleven red wines.
Natalie from Corks Out’s marketing team highlighted the exceptional value of their wine-by-the-glass promotion. She pointed out that the cost is often comparable to a bucket of five identical beers elsewhere, whereas, at Corks Out, patrons can savour five distinct wines for the same price. Although tempted by the extensive selection, we limited our tasting to just five of the 15 curated house wines. While we’ve included the price per glass and bottle for those interested, remember these wines are also part of Corks Out’s fantastic five or 10-glass promotion.
Our first selection was the Edengate Soldier Farms Chardonnay (RM 16.80 per glass, RM 88 for a bottle). Australia’s prominent position in the global Chardonnay landscape is well-established, ranking the nation among the top producers. The Soldier Farms Chardonnay not only demonstrates the appealing diversity of Australian Chardonnay but also carries a significant historical connection. The Soldier Farms range honours Australia’s Soldier Settlement Scheme, established in 1915, to provide returning soldiers with farmland. Notably, vineyards in the Riverina region, allocated under this scheme, continue to supply the grapes for these wines today. With vibrant tropical notes of peach, pineapple, banana, and citrus, it had a long and satisfying finish.
Next up was the Balduzzi Sauvignon Blanc (RM 21.80 per glass, RM 118 for a bottle). The Balduzzi family has been crafting wines in Chile’s Maule Valley since 1906, when Albano Balduzzi, an Italian passionate about winemaking, discovered the region’s unique terroir. Today, the fourth generation continues this tradition, committed to producing wines that faithfully represent their origin while focusing on sustainability. This Sauvignon Blanc was refreshing, with hints of passionfruit and grapefruit on the nose and hint of grassy notes. It was crisp and zesty, with a clean and nicely lingering finish.
Our first selection from the eleven red ‘house pours’ was the Balduzzi Classic Carmenere 2022 (RM 21.80 per glass, RM 118 for a bottle), which originated from Chile’s renowned Maule Valley. As an estate-bottled example of Chile’s signature grape, this youthful vintage displayed a deep ruby hue in the glass. The aromas were characteristic of Carmenere, featuring ripe red berries and plums, subtly intertwined with spice and a hint of the green bell pepper or herbal notes typical of the varietal. It offered a medium body with smooth tannins on the palate, showcasing dark fruit flavours that led to a pleasant finish.
Another red wine we explored was the La Puerta Clasico Malbec (RM 21.80 per glass or RM 118 for a bottle) from Argentina’s Famatina Valley. This wine poured a vibrant, deep violet-red, typical of Argentinian Malbec, a varietal that significantly flourished in Argentina after being introduced in 1853 as part of President Sarmiento’s mission to transform the wine industry – a date now commemorated annually on April 17th as Malbec World Day. Ripe dark fruits like blackberry and plum aromas with subtle hints of violets were followed by a smooth, medium-bodied experience with soft tannins and juicy dark fruit flavours.
For our final wine selection, we sampled the Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec 2023, an intriguing blend from South Africa’s Western Cape region. The nose revealed a fusion of plum and blackberry from the Malbec alongside the cherry and subtly smoky hints characteristic of Pinotage. This led to a medium-bodied palate with accessible tannins and a flavourful, fruit-forward finish.
Food Menu
We began with the Spicy Unagi Bomb (RM 36), a moreish starter paired well with our Sauvignon Blanc wine. Crisp tempura batter gave way to succulent eel, while the vibrant orange salmon roe added pops of saltiness. The chilli padi mayo provided a creamy richness with a lingering, pleasant heat.
We moved on to a comforting and generously portioned pasta dish. The King Prawn Love Pasta (RM 68) featured perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed with succulent, juicy king prawns in a flavourful white wine and bisque sauce. As someone who appreciates the skill required to cook seafood pasta well, I was pleased to find the prawns expertly prepared – plump, juicy, and conveniently halved. The rich tomato bisque sauce coated the spaghetti beautifully, and the dish was finished with delicate strands of tender pea shoots.
The Juicy Pork Chop (RM 58) certainly matched its name. This dish, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, a rich secret onion gravy, a whole roasted clove of garlic, and a spicy Thai Chilli sauce, evoked fond childhood memories of midweek meals during my school years in the UK. While the secret onion gravy was undeniably tasty, I personally preferred the Thai chilli sauce, which added a welcome warmth without being overpowering.
A highlight of the meal was the Perchik King Ribs (RM 66). These spicy, Perchik-style roasted pork ribs, served with potato wedges and grilled corn, were a hit with our table. The ‘Perchik’ spicing was undeniably addictive – truly ‘finger-licking good.’ In Malay, “perchik” translates to “splash” or “sprinkle” and refers to the technique of repeatedly basting the meat with a rich, spiced coconut milk marinade during grilling. This method worked wonderfully with the pork ribs. While substantial enough as a main dish for one, or shareable between two, the portion left our group of four wanting more.
The Truffle-Stuffed Chicken Hug (RM 56) offered another comforting option. This dish featured chicken roulade served with mashed potatoes and, on our visit, wilted bok choy in place of the advertised fresh sweet peas – a perfectly acceptable substitution. The name, while unusual, felt quite fitting as the dish provided a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Three cylinders of truffle-stuffed chicken roulade stood upright on creamy mashed potatoes, complemented by a well-balanced sauce.
Desserts
Finally, we opted for the Chocolate Volcano (RM 26) for dessert. I often approach lava cakes with trepidation, having witnessed many kitchen failures on cooking shows. However, my concerns were quickly dispelled. The dark chocolate filling flowed out perfectly upon slicing, creating a delightful contrast with the crumble, cool vanilla ice cream, and sharp raspberry puree. This technically challenging dessert was executed flawlessly, providing our meal a sweet and satisfying end.
Corks Out Subang Review
Corks Out Subang’s mission statement, “We are going to change the way you drink wine,” certainly seems achievable. Their outstanding value and curated selection would make me a weekly regular if they had a location closer to my home. The opportunity to explore such a variety of wines, paired with their delicious food, is an offer I simply couldn’t refuse.
Reasons to visit Corks Out Subang Jaya: Exceptional Value – RM 88 for five glasses of wine!; chic and inviting setting; full-flavoured food; must-order the Perchik King Ribs and Spicy Unagi Bomb Rolls.
Corks Out Subang Wine Bar & Restuarant
SS15, 15, Jalan SS 15/5a
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Link to Corks Out Subang on Google Maps
+6012 270 8566
www.facebook.com/CorksOutkl
[email protected]
*Serves pork & alcohol
Corks Out Subang Jaya Opening Hours
Daily 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
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