On the day of the Manchester Half Marathon where over 18,000 runners showed great resolve and stamina to complete the 13.1 miles around Manchester - a slightly smaller number of ‘wine athletes’ also displayed their determination, resolution and dedication as they undertook the challenge of the Commanderie de Bordeaux à Manchester Wine Tasting and Lunch at Manchester Hall.
The first part of the ‘course’ required those attending to sample a selection of 12 wines from across the region of Bordeaux. This excellent tasting, coordinated by Vinothecaire Tim Edwards showed a range of wines from the 2005 vintage to the 2021 vintage. All of the following wines were greatly enjoyed by those who attended;
· The Wine Society 150th Anniversary, Graves, Dry White, 2021
· Ch Doisy-Daëne Sec Pichon Bellevue, AOC Bordeaux, Dry White, 2019
· Rosé de Chevalier, AOC Bordeaux Rosé, 2022
· Madame de Pitray, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Red, 2018
· Ch Ormes de Pez, Saint-Estèphe, Red, 2009
· The Wine Society 150th Anniversary, Margaux, Red, 2015
· Ch de La Rivière, Fronsac, Red, 2015
· Ch Saint-George Côte Pavie, Saint-Emilion, Red, 2012
· Ch La Pointe, Pomerol, Red, 2016
· Ch Gruaud-Larose, Saint Julien, Red, 2006
· Ch Gruaud-Larose, Saint Julien, Red, 2005
· Ch Coutet, Barsac, Sweet White, 2009.
Whilst all of the wines were very well received, those which received particularly good reviews were the two Wine Society 150th Anniversary wines, the Ormes de Pez and the Ch de La Rivière from Fronsac. It was also commented that the Ch La Pointe was ‘spot on’.
The next part of the afternoon consisted of a three-course luncheon prepared by Chef Carlos and his team. To accompany the first course of Celeriac and White Truffle Soup, Clos des Lunes, Lune d’Argent 2018, Bordeaux Sec AOC was served. This wonderful wine of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon, served in Magnums, was also well received and was described as a ‘Marmite Wine’ – with notes of Pineapple and even a Curry flavour!
There were two choices for the main course to accompany the Château Gloria 2010, either Hand Carved Fore Rib of Beef or Mushroom and Spinach Wellington. Both of the options were excellently prepared and appreciated by all. However, the lovely food was overshadowed by the Ch Gloria 2010. The 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25%
Melot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, wine had a slight hint of pepper on the nose which integrated well with a blackcurrant bouquet. This full-bodied wine showed black cherries and black berries on the palate with a very pleasant finish. An excellent wine throughout and justified the comment from Wine Critic Neal Martin made in 2013 as ‘perhaps the best Gloria ever made’.
An impressive dessert of Vanilla and Poached Rhubarb Panna Cotta finalised lunch and was accompanied by Château Raymond Lafon, 2015, AOC, Sauternes. A blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, the bright golden wine with a nose of mango, peach and honey showed very well with the Panna Cotta with additional mango and honey showing on the palate and finish.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all who attended with some lovely wines to accompany a very pleasant meal. However, the pre-lunch Wine Tasting was something to be remembered with some truly magnificent wines being shown.
Let us now look forward to our next event being held on Friday 15th November at the Midland Hotel, Manchester where Jean-Jacques Bonnie, of Chateau Malartic Lagravière will be joining us in person to show some of his exceptional wines. This promises to be another memorable event and I would encourage you to attend should you be able.
Colin
Colin congratulated Emma on running the Half Marathon before lunch!