As the date of our third Zoom dinner event approached, I must confess a little trepidation. Having been in ‘lockdown’ for twelve months I wondered - would the lack of haircuts mean that I would not be able to recognise those I hadn’t seen for so long, would my hair look OK, would the wines arrive in time?
On two of my fears, I need not have worried. The wines did indeed arrive in time for the event (many thanks to our Vinothécaire) and I was able to recognise those who attended. With regards to my final fear I shall leave that to those who attended the event to determine!
On this occasion, should they wish, prior to the start of the event, members were able to enter their ‘break-out rooms’ to catch up whilst sharing a glass of Champagne. An excellent way to start any evening and to test your IT skills.
At 7.30pm prompt and before going into our virtual dining rooms, all attendees gathered in the ‘main hall’ where Le Maître welcomed all present, thanked those who had organised and facilitated the event and wished everyone a fine evening of good wine and good company.
The first wine of the evening, to accompany the first course was Chateau de la Grave, Grains Fins, 2019 from Cotes De Bourg. The blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Colombard produced a wine of good balance and structure and a lovely finish of oak overtones – evidence of the 8-month aging on the lees in oak barrels. The wine was an excellent accompaniment the popular entrée of smoked salmon and prawns and was well received by all.
The Chateau La Pointe 2014 from Pomerol was the red paired with the main course – in this instance beef wellington. The Merlot based wine (82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc) had a wonderful nose of ripe fruit and, whilst not too long on the finish, did not disappoint on the palate. Overall, this entry level wine was enjoyed by those in our break-out room although was not universally enjoyed by members in different break-out rooms.
For the final course of the evening, we drank the Wine Society’s Exhibition Sauternes 2017 - Made by Chateau Cantegrils from Barsac. This wine was very light in style with a pleasant balance of acidity and richness and overtones of honey. Whilst not too complex the wine was clean and refreshing on the palate. However, the Sichel Sauternes, also from 2017, tasted at the previous Zoom dinner was preferred.
At 9.30pm we regrouped in the ‘main hall’ where several members were invited to give their (varied) opinions on the wines of the evening. It was evident that the evening had been a great success with many members making great efforts both in preparing some wonderful dishes to accompany the wines but also in dressing their dining rooms for the occasion.
Furthermore, it is clear that the Commanderie de Bordeaux à Manchester continues to thrive and to be an excellent platform to meet with friends to share wonderful wines and excellent companionship.
Our next event, again by Zoom, will be the Annual General Meeting on Friday 11 June and all members are encouraged to attend. Whilst I am sure the AGM will be another excellent event with some fine wines to accompany our dinner, I am looking forward to Sunday 18th July when the Summer Lunch will take place at the Town House Hotel, Manchester. This will be the first ‘real’ event for over twelve months where we will be able to meet face to face and enjoy each other’s company whilst sharing fine wine over a specially prepared lunch. Please make a note of the date.
I can’t wait!
By Colin Smith
Le Secrétaire