Both Richmond and Teddington Wine Societies Christmas tastings were conducted via Zoom and three terrific nights of fantastic wines were had by all!
A massive logistical exercise was required, involving literally hundreds of 5cl bottles, into which were decanted the wines to be tasted, which were then delivered to the doorstep just hours before the tasting, which I hosted by Zoom. Over a hundred and twenty people attended across the three nights, and the feedback has been fantastic.
We tasted through an eclectic selection covering France, New Zealand, Spain, Australia, USA and Portugal. Stars of the show at Teddington included the Kilikanoon Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre blend from Clare Valley, which was rich, smooth, and stunning value, and the Domaine Sautereau Sancerre 2019 – a ripe, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that got us in the mood for smoked salmon. At Richmond the Shays Flat Shiraz from Domaine Tournon in Victoria was stunning, and the white Hermitage from Chapoutier (made only from Roussanne grapes), in Magnum, were fabulous.
At both the Taylors 1968 (at Teddington), and 1979 (at Richmond) were superb examples of what very old (and very expensive) Port wines become – elegant, smooth, spicy and very long lasting.
The undisputed winner of fantastic value for money at all the tastings was the Monbazillac Ancienne Cure, a glorious sweetie, offering the flavour and texture of a great Sauternes at a fraction of the price.
All the wines are listed in the wines we have tasted page.
