Westholme MB5+ Australian Crossbred Ribeye Cuberoll

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Cut into this ribeye and you’re immediately struck by a sweet, caramelized aroma wafting from the sizzling fat. Each bite reveals layered flavors – an intensely beefy and savory core underpinned by subtle nutty, roasted notes. The generous marbling imbues a buttery richness, melting on the tongue and carrying nuances of roasted nuts and even a hint of sweet “biscuit” on the finish. It’s a profile brimming with potent beef character and indulgent depth, truly marrying the best of both worlds: the luxurious, creamy Wagyu fat and the hearty outback beef flavor in one sensational cut.

In terms of texture, the MB5+ marbling yields a steak that is exquisitely tender yet still delightfully toothsome. As the intramuscular fat renders, it bastes the meat from within, creating a silky juiciness with each bite. The steak virtually melts in your mouth, coating the palate in a rich, velvety mouthfeel, but there’s also enough structure to remind you of its grassland pedigree. A proper high-heat sear gives it a gorgeous golden-brown crust (the marbling caramelizing to a hue reminiscent of a setting sun) and a slight charred edge that balances the richness. Despite its lavish marbling, the finish is surprisingly clean – the flavor lingers on in a pleasant, mellow way without any heavy grease, beckoning you calmly back for another bite.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

• Cooking: This ribeye shines with simple preparation. Season generously with coarse salt and cracked pepper, and sear over high heat to medium-rare, allowing the marbling to render and form a delectable crust. Thanks to its balanced marbling, it also stands up to more adventurous methods – from a charcoal grill to a spice rub – without losing its character. Always let it rest a few minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.

• Accompaniments: Serve with elegant sides that complement its richness. Earthy flavors work beautifully – think sautéed wild mushrooms, roasted root vegetables, or a truffle-infused potato purée to echo the ribeye’s nutty, buttery notes. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dab of herb butter just before serving can enhance the succulence of each bite without overpowering its natural flavor. For a fresh contrast, add a crisp green salad or lightly pickled vegetables; their acidity will cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites.

• Beverages: Bold red wines make a classic pairing. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Australian Shiraz has the depth and tannins to stand up to the steak’s intensity, cutting through the fat and cleansing the palate. For an unexpected pairing, try a peaty single-malt whisky or a rich, umami-forward sake – their complex, smoky notes can harmonize with the Wagyu’s caramelized flavors and elevate the experience. Lastly, a dark stout or malty amber beer can also be delightful, its bitterness balancing the steak’s sweetness.

When Wagyu Meets the Outback

The story behind this ribeye is as epic as its taste. Westholme’s Wagyu cattle enjoy an almost wild existence for much of their lives – the first three years are spent roaming an expansive 16-million-acre rangeland in northern Australia, grazing freely on native grasses in familial herds. These grasses include the famed Mitchell grass, which grows on the Mitchell Grass Downs – an awe-inspiring plain formed on an alluvial soil that was once an ancient inland sea. This unique terroir imparts mineral richness to the forage, and one could imagine it adds a special depth of flavor to the beef.

Equally unique is the breed itself. Westholme’s herd is an F1 cross between elite Japanese Wagyu sires and a resilient Australian breed called the Mitchell (named after that hardy grass). The Mitchell cows – a composite developed to thrive in the Aussie outback – contribute strong maternal instincts, sturdiness, and robust beef flavor, while the Wagyu lineage imparts its legendary fine marbling and tenderness. The result is a terroir-driven fusion of fat and lean that Westholme proudly notes has no equal – put simply, “there is no other Wagyu like Westholme”.

Raising such extraordinary cattle requires time and dedication. Westholme lets its Wagyu grow naturally for four to five years (far longer than conventional beef cattle) under careful stewardship. For most of that period, the animals live off the land with minimal intervention – stockmen and women check on their health and water, but largely let them be, aside from ensuring pastures remain lush. (There’s even a saying at Westholme that they’re really in the grass business; they monitor the forage via foot, helicopter, and satellite to guarantee the herd always has abundant feed.) In the final stretch, each steer is grain-finished for ~300 days on a custom diet of local grains and seeds, which concentrates the marbling and flavors to perfection. From grazing on an ancient seabed to a year of specialized grain indulgence, every step of Westholme’s process is designed to enhance flavor and richness. This means that when you savor a Westholme MB5+ ribeye, you’re not just tasting an exquisitely marbled steak – you’re experiencing a truly one-of-a-kind journey from the Australian outback to your plate, a story as rich as the meat itself.

Storage Instructions

To preserve this premium beef, proper storage is essential. Keep the ribeye refrigerated at a steady 0–4°C (32–39°F). If it’s vacuum-sealed, it can be safely kept in the coldest part of your fridge for up to around 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribeye at –18°C (0°F) or below (ideally while still vacuum-packed to prevent freezer burn). When ready to use, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator over 24–48 hours to maintain its tender texture and juicy flavor. Once opened or thawed, cook the beef within a day or two for best quality, and never refreeze meat that has fully defrosted.