The weather was not set fair and so we gathered indoors and reminded ourselves as to how good Chateau Bauduc’s wine can be even after 5 years since its harvest.  However there was the faint air of mothballs in the air (not from the wine) as at 3 brave souls got their summer dinner jackets out from their winter hibernation and christened themselves the “Three Tenners” (sic).

The AGM was then conducted with appropriate speed and decorum with a minimum of questions and all office holders acquitted themselves well.  The Maître also encouraged Commandeurs to seek new high-quality members to keep the Commanderie vibrant and more financially sustainable.

A pleasant glass of Heidsieck champagne ushered in the first course and a suitable and timely grace to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day was given.

The first course of poached salmon and asparagus salad was nicely cooked and accompanied by a very tasty Domaine de Chevalier Blanc from 2008 (A.O.C. Pessac-Léognan).  This had some Commandeurs reminiscing about an excellent lunch spent there on a Bordeaux trip (it’s surprising they remember it, if it was that good?).  However, the wine was excellent and described by some as “stunning” and others as the “best dry white wine of Bordeaux”.

The main course was a rump of Cumbrian lamb roasted in hay and accompanied by pressed potato & leek, spinach & wild mushrooms, this was served with Château Poujeaux, 2000, (A.O.C. Moulis, Cru Bourgeois) in Magnums.  Most appreciated the simplicity of this dish whist others would still prefer more artistic embellishments.  However nearly all appreciated the excellent quality of this well-aged wine.  Some felt it was a little past its best and there was (inevitably?) a bit of “bottle variation”

The minimalist (but high-quality) approach was continued with the Crème Delice cheese with chutney and biscuits.  This was accompanied by a well received Château Rauzan-Segla, 2002, (2éme Cru Classé, AOC Margaux). Though a modest vintage the terroir showed through to offer an excellent partner to the cheese. 

The most flamboyant (some may have said indecent - if it was viewed from a certain angle?!) course was the assiette of strawberry with clotted cream and ice cream.  Despite being served perhaps a little cooler than preferred the Château de Rayne-Vigneau, 2009, (1ier Cru Classé, A.O.C. Sauternes) partnered this exceptionally well and ended the main part of the evening.

There just remained the opportunity to thank our hosts, give our loyal toasts and to enjoy our tea, coffee and Petit Fours.  Therefor despite the cool weather, we had a warm welcome from the Alderley Edge team and look forward to future visits.