As we gathered that the Alderley Edge for our Annual General Meeting there was a faint tang of moth balls. However this was not the venue, or the palate or nose on any of our wines, but more the sign that summer had arrived and the white dinner jackets had been allowed their first outing of the year! Thankfully the weather had also got the message and so the sunshine allowed a gathering for the AGM to be an inside and outside event. The summery feel was aided by some surprisingly fresh tasting Chateau Bauduc Sauvignon Blanc 2014 as it is supposed to be reaching the end of its drinking window and some very edible hors d’oeuvres.
We then went inside where the AGM was held and all motions passed without issue. The AGM recognised the sad passing of Commander Scofield and noted both his contributions to the conseil and shared an amusing tale from his past. We also noted with sadness the retirement from the conseil of Commandeur Rachel Wedderspoon and the appointment of Commandeur Nicola McLoughlin in her place as Regent.
The first course had a nice spicy edge to it and gave a chance to taste a very different style of bordeaux blanc in the Château Brown 2014, A.O.C. Pessac-Léogna; this time with a bit more oak and Semillon. The extra flavour of this wine went very well with the beetroot cured sea-trout, with Cornish crab, fennel and orange.
We then had a very nice piece of Roast rump of Cumbrian beef, ox cheek fritter and caramelised onion; though as ever the degree of cooking did not suit all. The very tasty Château Durfort-Vivens 2005, 2ème Cru Classé, A.O.C. might perhaps been more comfortable as a drinking wine or with a less flavourful dish.
No such issues faced the cheese and the Château La Lagune 2006, 3ème Cru Classé, A.O.C. Haut-Médoc went down a treat!
Some of the thirstier Commandeurs were also treated to some “bin ends” from the Commanderie cellar; one of which was a bottle of Chateau Batailley 2007 Grand Cru Pauillac – which as ever did not disappoint!
The pudding of Strawberry and Champagne delice with scone crumble was an excellent foil for the sumptuous Château Guiraud 2008, 1ère Grand Cru Classé, A.O.C. Sauternes. Whilst some may think this was not it’s finest year, it was difficult to fault this excellent wine.
The evening ended with our toasts and thanks to our hosts and an excellent evening was had by all.
