An extensive tasting of the wines of Bordeaux followed by a delicious 4 course Sunday Lunch in the delightful setting of Manchester Hall
As 12.30pm approached the doors of the Goulburn Lodge were opened to allow the expectant attendees entry into the eagerly anticipated Wine Tasting & Lunch at Manchester Hall in Manchester. A total of 76 people were able to taste a total of 25 wines from various appellations across the Bordeaux wine region.
Prior to a four-course lunch with accompanying wines to match those attending were able to sample 2 Crémant de Bordeaux wines, 8 dry white wines, 12 red wines and 3 sweet white wines. The wines shown were from a number of different vintages ranging from 2012 to 2021 for the red wines, 2020 to 2022 for the dry white wines and from 2015 to 2019 for the sweet white wines.
We were honoured that Nathalie Escuredo, from the Grand Conseil in Bordeaux, could also attend the event to discuss the wines with those attending and to answer any questions or queries raised. She was also able to field any questions in relation to the Chateau Boutinet red wine being shown – a wine that she makes with her husband Jerome.
Everyone had their favourite wines, and all of the wines were well received. Feedback and comments on the wines included:
“Amazing selection of wines – Thank you!'“
“We love Chateau Gamaye – a must!”
“Chateau Clos Rene – an absolute must!”
“Chateau Fleur Moelleux, lovely bouquet and fresh fruity flavour – really enjoyed it”
“Château Chantegrive white – fine nose, good fruit”
“The Boutinet and the Margaux (Siran) truly excellent”
“Chateau Gros Moulin les Lys du Moulin- loved it”
“Château de Garbes – delicious and sweet”
“Château Opale blanc de blanc – very enjoyable and uplifting fizz”
A full list of the wines being shown is attached.
“-We came as guests, we met new friends, we tried new wines, we had our new favourites, Thank you for a lovely day. Big up – Chateau Gamey, Chateau Clos de Princes, Chateau Pichon Bellevue!”
As the wine tasting ended, we moved from the Goulburn Lodge across the hallway to the beautiful and very impressive Goulburn Suite. A glass of white wine, Chateau Bouscaut or Chateau Pont Saint Martin, awaited us as we took our seats. The Bouscaut was particularly enjoyed by those on Table 1.
To accompany the first course of a Trio of Crostini, Garlic and Herb Croute, the white wine of Chateau Rahoul 2016 was served. A perfect accompaniment to a very tasty and well-presented first course.
As the Hand Carved Roast Sirloin of beef roasted with garlic, thyme and wholegrain mustard, Giant Yorkshire Pudding, beef dripping roasted potatoes, thyme carrots, sauteed greens and rich beef gravy was served the red wine of Chateau La Tour Carnet 2010 was poured. A blend of 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the wine was well received giving lots of blackcurrant and blueberry fruit with a full-bodied and long finish.
Three red wines from Saint Emilion accompanied the cheese course of Haystacks Cheddar and Sharpham Brie, apple, grapes, celery and fruit chutney and the dessert course of Cream Tea Cheesecake, British Strawberries & Clotted Cream. Each of the Saint Emilion wines, Chateau Fonplegade, 2015, Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne, 2016 and Chateau Clos de l’Oratoire, 2016, were wonderful and a great match to the food – particularly the cheese course.
As the event came to a close thanks were given to all those who assisted with the wine tasting, to Nathalie Escuredo for travelling from Bordeaux to attend the event, and to Manchester Hall for great service, food and friendship. However, the greatest thanks went to each of the 29 Chateaux from Bordeaux who supported the event and gave those attending the opportunity to taste a range of wonderful wines from various vintages and to better understand the wines of Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux
Colin Smith
Maître
Wine Tasting Station Lists:
