To celebrate our 38th anniversary a very special evening was held at The Midland Hotel, Trafford Suite.
We were delighted to be joined by Lilian Barton-Sartorius, who is the 9th generation of the Barton family, which dates back three centuries. She, along with her children Mélanie and Damien (the 10th generation), have taken over the running of the Barton estates from Lilian’s father Anthony Barton.
After a welcoming glass or two of Champagne Ayala, Brut Maieur; crisp, dry and citrussy with super-fine, silky bubbles, Lilian gave an introduction to the evening, speaking informatively and eloquently about the history of the Barton Estates and the features of the wines we would be enjoying during the evening.
The first course was suckling-pig terrine with truffle emulsion, balsamic grelot, crackling and nasturtium. The balance of flavours in this dish was excellent. This was served with the first wine of the evening a Château Langoa-Barton 2016. To say that the evening had hit the ground running was an understatement and this fabulous wine (from Bordeaux’s “Miracle” vintage) was a very well-judged pairing with the food. The juicy black-fruit and velvety-tannins, with balanced acidity cut through the creamy truffle emulsion beautifully.
Surely the evening had peaked already?
The main course was day dry-aged sirloin of beef with short-rib agnolotti, onion & ale puree, broad beans and Bordelaise sauce. Perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside two red wines. Château Langoa-Barton 2007 and Château Léoville-Barton 2012. These mature wines from average-to-good vintages were drinking extremely well. Both full-bodied and complex, the 2012 having a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (83%) compared to the 2007 (77%). The latter having a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc. Both had 15% Merlot. It was interesting how these two wines developed in the glass and diners agreed that it was difficult to choose between the two as both paired so well with the food.
By this time of the evening, our tastebuds had been worked very hard, but more was to come. We hunkered-down for the cheese-course and the traditional “superstar” red.
Creamy Bath soft cheese, with quince jelly, grapes and water biscuits was served with Château Langoa-Barton 2009 and Château Leoville-Barton 2008. Up until this point, the 2016 red had been the star of the show but then arrived the 2009. From yet another stellar vintage, this wine had the extra years on the 2016 and it showed with increased depth, maturity and, typical of the 2009 vintage, rich complex and intense fruit with no hint of harshness from the tannin. Interestingly, the Merlot proportion was significantly higher in this wine (34%). The 2008 red, also powerful and refined, was relegated to an also-ran next to the 2009, but excellent, nonetheless.
With punch-drunk palates from the wonderful reds, the pudding course arrived: Poached pear with vanilla mascarpone, blackberry and croustillant was served with a wonderful Château Coutet 2011, 1er Cru A.O.C Barsac. The poached pear and vanilla flavours working superbly with the full-bodied medium-sweet wine. The slight spice on the finish was excellent with the pear and on another evening, this wine would have been the “winner” of wine of the evening, but on this occasion, the 2009 Château Langoa-Barton was champion.
Maître gave thanks to The Midland Team for their truly excellent food and attentive service: First Class indeed.
What a wonderful event.
