VIOGNIER AND MALBEC WINES

Wines that were tasted:

Rustenberg Brampton, Viognier, 2007, 15%, South Africa
McManis Family Vineyard, Viognier, 2009, 13.5%, California, USA
Viu Manent, Viognier, 2011, 14.5%, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Domainedes Aspes, Viognier, 2009, 13.5%, Pays d'Oc, France
Neethlingshof Estate, Malbec, 2010, 14%, South Africa
Valdivieso Wine Makers, Reserve Malbec, 2011, 13.5%, Curico Valley, Chile
Catena Alamos, Malbec, 2010, 13.5%, Mendoza, Argentina
Chateau Cos Suzanne, Malbec, 2007, 13.5%, Cahors, France

A PRESENTATION OF FOOD AND WINE

Wines that were tasted:

Blanc de Blancs Fantasia NV, Uco Valley, Argentina 12%
Grüner Veltiner, Fritsch, Wagram, Austria 2010, 12%
Albariño, Zios Branco, Rias Baixas, Spain 2010, 13%
Irouléguy Blanc, Cuvee Andere, France 2008, 13%
Adega Guimara Joven, Galicia, Spain 2010, 13.5%
Curtefranca, Franciacorta, Italy 2009, 12.5%
Bonarda, Colonia las Liebres, Argentina 2010, 13.5%
DrinkMe.Niepoort, Duoro, Portugal 2009, 13.5%

AGM - Plus a "Call My Bluff" wine tasting

ARGENTINIAN WINES

Wines that were tasted:

Valentin Bianchi Extra Brut NV, San Rafael
Urban Sauvignion Blanc, O Fournier, 2009 13.5%, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Alamos Chardonnay, Catena 2009 13.5%, Mendoza
Crios De Susana Balbo, Torrontes 2010 13.5%, Cafayate
Urban Malbec, O Fournier, 2008 14.5%,Uco Valley, Mendoza
Santa Julia Organica Bonarda / Sangiovese 2010 12.5%, Mendoza
Finca Las Moras Tannat Reserva 2008 14%, San Juan
Bcrux Tempranillo / Malbec, O Fournier, 2005 14.5%, Uco Valley, Mendoza

GREEK WINES

Wines that were tasted:

Ino Savatiano (100% Savatiano) 2008 12%
Gaia Notios White (50% Roditis / 50% Moschofilero) 2009 12%
Karelas Achais White (50% Roditis / 50% Muscat) 2009 12%
Gentilini Robola (100% Robola) 2009 13%
Hatzimichalis Rosé (Grenache Rouge / Roditis / Xinomavro) 2010 12.5%
Ino Agiorgitiko (100% Agiorgitiko) 2008 12.5%
Papantonis Meden Agan (100% Agiorgitiko) 2008 12.8%
Gentilini Red (80% Agiorgitiko / 20% Syrah) 2008 12.5%
Vantana Cherry Brandy 22%

WINES FROM NEW ZEALAND

Wines that were tasted:

Montana Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2009 12.5%
Villa Maria Dry Riesling Private Bin, Marlborough 2010 12.5%
Villa Maria Gewurtztraminer Private Bin, Gisborne 2009 13.5%
Morton Estate Private Reserve Viognier, Hawkes Bay 2007 14%
Farleigh Estate Majestic Peaks Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2008 13.5%
Oyster Bay Merlot, Hawkes Bay 2009 13.5%
Vidal Syrah, Hawkes Bay 2007 14%
Montana North Island Cabernet/Merlot, Hawkes Bay 2008 13%

WINES FROM SPAIN - Wines from up and coming regions in Spain

Wines that were tasted:

Raimat Albarino Vina 24, Costers del Segre 2009 12%
Marquis de la Concordia, Rueda Verjdejo 2008 13%
Torres Vina Sol, Catalunya 2009 11.5%
Corona de Aragon Shiraz, Carinena 2008 13.5%
Marquis de Riscal Tempranillo, Castillia y Leon 2007-08 13%
Senorio Don Pedro De La Vega Grand Reserva, Valencia 2001 13%
Scala Dei Priorat 2006 14.5%
Legaris Crianza, Ribero del Duero 2007 14%

AGM - Plus a tasting of Eastern European wines

Wines that were tasted:

Chapel Hill Sparkling Chardonay/Pinot Noir 12% - Lake Balaton, Hungary
Patricius Cellars Tokaji Dry Furmint 2007 14% - Hungary
Jeruzalem Ormoz Pinot Grigio 2009 12.5% - Slovenia
River Route Merlot 2009 13.5% Colinele Dobrogei, Romania
Enira Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot Blend 2006 14.5% - Pazarjik Region, Bulgaria

VISIT TO STANLAKE PARK WINE ESTATE

Wines that were tasted:

Stanlake Brut
Kir Royale
Regatta 2007
Madeleine 2006
Bacchus 2006
Kings Fumé 2007
Pinot Blush 2008
Ruscombe 2006

VERTICAL TASTING OF BURGUNDY WINES

Wines that were tasted:

2007 Pernand-Verglesses, Pierre Bouree et Fils
2004 Pernand-Verglesses, Pierre Bouree et Fils
1999 Pernand-Verglesses, Pierre Bouree et Fils
1998 Pernand-Verglesses, Pierre Bouree et Fils
1995 Puligny-Montrachet, Pierre Bouree et Fils
2007 Santenay, Pierre Bouree et Fils
2002 Santenay, Pierre Bouree et Fils
1999 Santenay, Pierre Bouree et Fils
1997 Santenay, Pierre Bouree et Fils

WINES FROM THE RHONE

Wines that were tasted:

Saint Péray NV
2006 Côtes du Rhône Blanc
2007 Condrieu
2005 Côtes du Rhône Rouge
2007 Saint-Joseph
2006 Crozes Hermitage "Les Jalets"
2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise NV

THE REAL WINE COMPANY - Wines available on line

Wines that were tasted:

Marc Chauvet Champagne Brut Tradition 12%
2007 Louis Fabre Viognier 13%
2008 Verus Furmint 13%
2007 Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 13.5%
2006 Dom. Mas Viel Vin de Pays d'Oc Pinot Noir 13.5%
2006 Ch. d'Or et de Gueules 'Les Cimels' Red 14%
2005 Hacienda El Espino '1707' Variedades 13.5%
2004 El Huique Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 14%
2000 Tokaji Prince Tamas 3 Puttonyos Dessert Wine 14%

BARBECUE PLUS BEAUJOLAIS at The Lee Parish Hall

WINES FROM BORDEAUX

Wines that were tasted:

2007 Chateau Nicot Blanc, AOC Bordeaux
2006 Chateau Pey La Tour, Reserve du Chateau, AOC Bordeaux Superieur
2005 Chateau Gasquerie, AOC Cotes de Castillon
2004 Chateau Montaiguillon, AOC Montagne Saint Emilion
2005 Chateau Lamothe-Cissac, Cru Bourgeois, AOC Haut-Medoc
2005 Chateau Saint Paul, Cru Bourgeois, AOC Haut-Medoc
2004 Chateau Haut Beausejour, Cru Bourgeois, AOC St Estephe
2001 Chateau Langoa Barton, Troisieme Cru, AOC St Julien

NORTH AMERICAN WINES - EXCLUDING CALIFORNIA

The following wines were tasted:

Chateau Ste Michelle, Dry Riesling, 2006, 13%, Columbia Valley, Washington State
Chateau Ste Michelle, Eroica Riesling, 2007, 12%, Columbia Valley, Washington State
Firesteed, Pinot Gris, 2005, 13%, Rickreal, Oregon
Hedges Cellars, CMS, 2004, 13.5%, Columbia Valley, Washington State
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay, 2005, 14%, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Bergstrom, Pinot Noir, 2006, 14.5%, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Woodward Canyon, Merlot, 2005, 14.5%, Columbia Valley, Washington State
L'Ecole No 41, Syrah, 2003, 13%, Columbia Valley, Washington State

SOUTH AMERICAN WINES

The following wines were tasted:

Trivento Extra Brut Sparkling, NV (Mendoza, Argentina)
Trivento Viognier, 2006 (Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina)
Cono Sur Gewurtztraminer, 2006 (Bio-Bio Valley 85%, Casablanca 15%)
Cono Sur Reserve Riesling, 2007 (Bio-Bio Valley)
Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz, 2006 (Rapel Valley)
Organic Cabernet/Carmenere, 2007 (Colchagua 85%, Maipo 15%)
Cono Sur Reserve Carmenere, 2006 (Colchagua)
Amado Sur, 2006 (Mendoza, Argentina)

WINES FOR CHRISTMAS

The following wines were tasted:

Deakin Estate Brut NV (Australia)
Pasion 4 Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc 2006 (Argentina)
Quincy 2006 Fouassier (France)
Sybille Kuntz Riesling Trocken 2004 (Germany)
Bourgogne Pinot Noir Charles Thomas 2006 (France)
Saint Clair Merlot 2007 (Marlborough)
Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005 (South Africa)
Sacred Hill Shiraz 2004 De Bortoli (Australia)

A HORIZONTAL TASTING OF BEAUJOLAIS WINES

The following wines were tasted:

Beaujolais, "Domain de la Motte", Paul Beaudet, 2006
Beaujolais Villages, Georges Duboeuf, 2006
Chiroubles, Georges Duboeuf, 2006
Brouilly, "Domain des Maison Neuves", Paul Beaudet, 2006
Saint-Amour, "Aux Anges", Pierre Dupond, 2006
Fleurie, Georges Duboeuf, 2006
Moulin-a-Vent, "Les Michelons" Louis Latour, 2006
Morgon, Georges Duboeuf, 2006

IBERIAN WINES

The following wines were tasted:

2006 Vinho Verde (Portugal)
2006 Tagus Ridge Reserve (Portugal)
2004 Navarra Reserva (Spain)
1999 Albari Grand Reserva (Spain)
2003 Campo Viejo Reserva (Spain)
2006 Quinta do Crasto Douro (Portugal)

SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD AND WINE EVENING

Pairs of wines fron Chile and Argentina selected to accompany a South American dinner. Each course was represented by a taster of a typical dish that might be served and the selections were as follows:

Apéritif
Vina La Rosa Chardonnay (Sparkling) 2005, 12.5%, Cachapoal Valley, Chile

Pepper and Artichoke Tarts
Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006, 13%, Casablanca Valley, Chile
Altosur Sauvignon Blanc 2007, 12.5%, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina

Crab and Tuna Cakes
Carmen Reserve Chardonnay 2005, 14%, Casablanca, Chile
Catena Chardonnay 2006, 14%, Mendoza, Argentina

Marinated Chicken with Guacomole
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2006, 14%, Central Valley, Chile
Alamos, Catena Pinot Noir, 13.5%, Mendoza, Argentina

Cheese, Aged Manchego and Murcia al Vino
Winemakers Lot 402 Syrah 2006, 14.5%, Maipo Valley, Chile
Finca Flichman Shiraz Reserva 2006, 13%, Mendoza, Argentina

Fruit Meringue
Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2004, 11.5%, Maule Valley, Chile

PINK AND WHITE SPARKLERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Wines tasted were:

Chapel Down Brut NV (England)
Sparkling Vouvray Brut 1996 (France)
Blanquette de Limoux NV (France)
Freixenet Cava Rosada NV (Spain)
Prosecco di Conegliano NV (Italy)
Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2005 (South Africa)
Banrock Station Shiraz NV (Australia)
Mumm Cuvée Napa Brut NV (USA)

ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF WINE PART 2

Maggie McNie, Master of Wine, continued her most interesting presentation charting the development of modern wines with reference to some very early known examples of wine making. In this part, she took us from the early days of viticulture in France to the near global spread of wine production which exists today.

Wines tasted were:

Schloss Gobelsburg, Gobelsburger Riesling, 2005, 12.5%, Austria
Domaine de la Croix de Chaintres, Cabernet Franc, 2005, 13.5%, Saumur Champigny, France
Villa Cafaggio, Chianti Classico, 2005, 13%, Italy
Campo Viejo, Rioja Crianza, 2004, 13%, Spain
Ravenswood, Vintners Blend Zinfandel, 2004, 13.5%, California, USA
Los Robles, Carmenère, 2006, 13%, Chile
d'Arenberg, Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne.2005, 13.5%, McLaren Vale, Australia
Villa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, 2006, 13.5%, New Zealand
Simonsig, Pinotage/Pinot Noir, Cap Classique, Brut Rosé, 2005, 12%, South Africa

CHEESE WITH WINE

Tom Badcock gave a most interesting presentation and an opportunity to taste more than a dozen cheeses. These ranged from a simple Yoghurt via a Buffalo Mozzarella and a sweet Norwegian example with the unpronounceable name of "Gjetost" to an English Classic and a Complex Blue. At least one could actually be seen to move!
The object was to taste the cheeses in combination with the following wines:
Bouvet Ladubay Sparkling Saumur NV - Loire Valley
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough - New Zealand
Albarino 2005 Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Morgon Printemps 2005, Cru Beaujolais, Georges Duboeuf
Marsannay Rouge 2000, Domaine du Chateau de Marsannay
DOCG Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, Castello Banfi, Montalcino
Hidalgo Oloroso, Sherry - Spain
Muscat de Frontignan NV
It's doubtful if anyone managed to try all possible permutations!

PINOT NOIR FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The following wines were presented and tasted:

Mission Hill, Pinot Noir Reserve, 2003, 13%, Canada
Gran Valle de Niebla, Rapel Valley, 2003, 13.5%, Chile
Alamos, 2005, 13.9%, Argentina
Glen Carlou, 2005, 14%, South Africa
Villa Maria, 2005, 14%, New Zealand
Ninth Island, 2005, 13.5%, Tasmania, Australia
Cycles Gladiator, 2004, 14%, Central Coast, USA
Bourgogne, Pierre Bourée Fils, 2001, 12.5%, France
Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de la Justice, 2000, 13%, France

HALLGARTEN WINE

Following a last-minute cancellation by the speaker, the Committee did a very good job in presenting the following wines:

Chapel Down Brut Sparkling, Pinot Noir, England
Don David Reserve, Torrontes, 2006, Argentina
Chateau Ksara, Chardonnay, 2005, Lebanon
Pelee Island, Unwooded Chardonnay, Canada
Leon Beyer, Pinot Noir, 2004, Alsace
Don David Reserve, Malbec, 2005, Argentina
Chateau Ksara, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, Lebanon
Pelee Island, Pinot Noir, 2002, Canada

THE HISTORY OF WINE

Maggie McNie presented modern wines from various areas marking the development of wine. Turkey, for example, was making wine in 6000 BC, Greece before 2000 BC, Tuscany before 1000 BC. There is evidence that wines were being produced around Marseilles before 500 BC and winemaking had spread to the Burgundy region by AD 200. Sundried grapes were used for winemaking in both Italy and the Jura region. In order to give an idea of the scope afforded by the topic wines tasted were:

Gaia Ritinitis Nobilis
Sigalas Santorini
Chateau Cavalier Rose, Cotes de Provence
Kavaklidere, Turkish 2000
Gran Feudo Crianza Julian Chivite 2000
Cusumano Nero d'Avola
Alpha Xinomavro 2000
Muscat de Rio, Parparoussis 2003

"AUSTRALIAN PAIRS"

This was an opportunity to taste a selection of Australian wines from lesser known producers and, at the same time, compare the wines from different vineyards using the same cultivar.

The wines tasted were:
Kopparossa Unwooded Chardonnay 2004 (COONAWARRA)
Sinclair Chardonnay 2003 (MANJIMUP,WA)
Will Taylor Clare Valley Riesling 2003
Thistle Hill Riesling 2002 (MUDGEE, NSW)
ACW Pinot Noir 2002 (YARRA VALLEY)
Will Taylor Pinot Noir 2001 (YARRA VALLEY)
ACW Shiraz 2003 (MULWALA, NSW)
Wayne Thomas Shiraz 2003 (MCLAREN VALE)

"DINNER ON A BISCUIT - ITALIAN STYLE" WITH APPROPRIATE WINES

This was an opportunity to taste a selection of Italian wines together with "bite-sized" portions of food simulating how Maggie and Michael might entertain their guests to dinner.  In each case one could taste two wines with each dish and choose which was felt to be the most appropriate as well as experiencing the effect of the food on the wine.

VISIT TO BRIGHTWELL VINEYARD - Wallingford, Oxon.

A pleasant evening visit with a tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of Brightwell wines and an excellent alfresco supper.

Wines tasted included:
Oxford Flint - 2003, a dry white wine from a blend of Huxelrebe and
Chardonnay grapes
Crispin - 2003, an off-dry white made from Reichensteiner and Bacchus grapes
Oxford Red - 2004, a blend of Dornfelder and Dunkelfelder grapes aged for five months with oak chippings

FROM TOP TO TOE AND HEEL: The Wines of Italy

On this occasion Penny presented the following Italian wines and considered the various dishes that they might accompany:

Soave Classico, Domini Veneti 2003
Verdicchio dei Caelstli di Jesi 2003
Gavi di Gavi Raccolto Tardivo 2003
Frascati Superiore Fontana Candida 2004
Bardolino Classico Tedeschi 2002
Cappella Di Piete 2000
Planeta Syrah 2002
Amorone della Valpolicella Tedeschi 2000

CABERNET SAUVIGNON AROUND THE WORLD

Examples from Moldova, Macedonia, USA, Australia, South Africa, France, Chile and Argentina

Avril presented eight interesting wines from various regions in W.A., including Swan River, Margaret River and Mount Barker and from the eight different producers Plantagenet, Amberley, Houghton, Sandalford, Madfish, Evans and Tate, Ironstone and Capel Vale. Due to a burst pipe at the cricket club, this meeting was held in Chesham Town Hall.

Avril Abbott

- The Australian Wine Bureau

3D Wines currently lease rows of vines in 44 vineyards and 'rents' individual rows to its subscribers. In return for the year's 'rent', a subscriber is entitled to purchase up to 4 cases of wine from 'his' row of vines in the particular vineyards to which he has subscribed, at less than cellar door price. This operation started in Burgundy so most of the early vineyards signed up were in that area, but the choice is progressively widening to embrace other wine growing areas. Roger presented wines from eight vineyards.

• Roger Lyle - South Australia
• Peter Marr - California
• Peter Powell - South Africa
• Alan Stowe - France
• Trevor Taylor - France
• Judith Watsham - South America
• John Wheeler - Western Australia

This presentation of Kevin's explained how we can 'own' our own little piece of France and obtain wines at a very approachable price. Nine wines from the Côtes de Duras and the Côtes du Luberon in Provence were presented and tasted

The distinctive style of Maderia, a fortified wine, evolved from the fact that during the the18th century east-bound ships would frequently transport barrels of Maderia wine for sale in the Far East or Australia and as the ships journeyed through the Tropics, the wine was heated and then cooled again during the six-month voyage. In order to replicate these conditions today, the wine-makers use special ovens called estufas, to mimic the heating and cooling process and arrive at the unique Maderia style.

Bovey Wines is a small family business specializing in Maderia wines. Many wines were purchased during the course of a very interesting evening.

A great occasion as before - 31 members and guests enjoyed beautiful food and wines from around the world.

The wines tasted, all from the top Rhône (and thoroughly bio-dynamic) producer Chapoutier, included:

1. Condrieu
2. White Hermitage
3. Côtes du Ventoux
4. Côtes de Rhône Villages
5. Châteauneuf-du-Pape
6. Croze-Hermitage
7. Côtes Rôtie
8. Hermitage
9. Banyol

With a prestige speaker talking about prestige wines, this was a fascinating evening.