Across the country from Kent to Cumbria, over 40 Commanders and their households or bubbles prepared to join together on Zoom to meet, have dinner accompanied by wines delivered on behalf of the Commanderie, and, finally, discuss the wines in our time honoured fashion. Before the start time of 730pm the excitement was palpably building as these wonderful photographs were posted on our WhatsApp group …..
Even the dog dressed up !
We met in a virtual reception for a welcome from Maitre …..
and then proceeded to breakout into virtual rooms with our dinner companions! Conversation flowed (as did the wine!).
Starters were accompanied by Chateau Theiuley 2019 from Entre Deux Mers. The steely blend of sauvignon blanc, semillon and sauvignon gris was a superb match for seafood which seemed to be the choice of many diners.
Appetites suitably tickled, we moved onto our mains and the flair of some of the home chefs soon became clear! We enjoyed our main courses with Chateau Carteau 2015 St Emilion Grand Cru. This was a delicious blend of 70% merlot, with Cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. The tannins were soft and there was plenty of blackcurrant fruit. A wine from a great vintage that much appreciated by all.
everybody was having a wonderful time and it was smiles all round!
Our dessert wine was the Wine Society’s Exhibition Sauternes 2017 in a half bottle. Commander Edwards noted that the cork in his bottle was labelled Doisy-Daene! We are unsure whether we all had wine from the same Chateau. Commander Joscelyne noted that her wine didn’t have marmalade on the palate and it wasn’t terribly sweet although apricots were to be found . Again, the kitchens pulled out all the stops and apple tarts and sticky toffee puddings were popular choices. I found time to nibble a little Stilton with this wine as well as a dessert which doubled the enjoyment!
All too soon we were back into the main reception event where each of the six tables volunteered a speaker to talk about one of the wines.. It was wonderful to see so many friends on screen and it brought a very strong sense of togetherness and friendship in these strange times. It is not exaggerating to say that the feed back from this event has been heart-warmingly positive and with many Commanders clamouring for a repeat could the Conseil refuse? Keep an eye on your emails to find out!