Spring had finally arrived and some 70 Commanders, Partners and Guests arrived at Manchester Hall for the annual Fête d'Anniversaire in the daylight – a pleasant change after a dark and wet winter.
We were shown into the Goulburn Lodge and presented with a very welcome glass or two of Canard-Duchêne champagne – a favourite of many of those present. We spent a most enjoyable hour talking to old friends and new before we were called through to the magnificent Goulburn Suite for dinner .
The Maître welcomed everyone and reminded us of past Fêtes of the Commanderie de Manchester – 36 years and still going strong! The meal started with a somewhat unusual choice of white onion soup but any doubts some members had were soon allayed as it was full of flavour yet light – I wasn’t the only one to say if only all onion soup was like this I’d have it all the time. The accompanying wine – “R” de Rieussec 2017 – worked beautifully with it, showing rich fruit and an excellent balance – some even commented it would also have gone well with the main course.
However, with the main course, we had Château La Lagune 2000 Haut-Médoc Grand Cru Classé which reminded us of how special a fully mature red from an outstanding year can be – and how lucky we are that in the past the Commanderie laid it down for us to enjoy now. Its earthy yet fruity flavours complemented the guinea fowl stuffed with wild mushrooms and truffle superbly. Commander Manners-Wood told us of how this wine reminded him of a celebration in Paris many years ago and in turn reminded all of us how great wine can trigger wonderful memories.
The cheese course featured Solstice cheese from Somerset which was a hit with many of us – soft, rich and mouthfilling – and well matched with a lesser known wine from Château D’Eck Pessac-Léognan Grand Vin de Bordeaux from another outstanding vintage – 2010. This was a revelation to many members as few had even heard of it let alone drunk it but will certainly remember it in the future – for some the wine of the night.
The dessert was another surprise – crêpes with orange and Grand Marnier sauce and ice cream but was executed really well and the wine – Château Raymond-Lafon 2014 Sauternes – another favourite of members – again was a good match. Fresher than some Sauternes it was a most enjoyable end to an excellent evening.
The Maître finished by proposing toasts to the King and the Commanderie de Bordeaux in the customary way.
Our thanks must go to all the staff at Manchester Hall who looked after us so well and those who helped organise the event for a splendid celebratory evening.