In a shaded corner of the coolest room in Bernard Lamb’s house, an uncatalogued case of wine lay under other cases. When opened in 2025, long since it was laid down, it contained a number of real treasures which are worth sharing with fellow IWFS members. Maturity is the unifying factor and the makers vary from world-famous to little known. One rarely gets to taste an English sparkling wine 26 years old, or a Barolo 50 years old. The 2001 Léoville Barton is highly regarded by Anthony Barton. The most unusual is the Bothy Paradox, with only 1,218 bottles made. Heavy storms in July resulted in seedless grapes with very small berries which ripened with high sugars and outstanding flavours. The flight of sweet wines includes Vin de Constance, once the most famous wine in the world, and a Vin Santo by Contini Bonacossi.

1. Nyetimber Premiére Cuvée Chardonnay Brut, Blanc de Blancs, 2000, West Sussex, 12 %.
2. Vigneto Villero Castiglione Barolo, Ceretto, Alba, Italy, 1976, 13.4%.
3. R J Delatite Limited Edition Reserve Blend 2006, Victoria, Australia, 14%, Cabernet Sauvignon 66%, Merlot 34%. .
4. Château Léoville Barton 2001, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, 12.5%.
5. The Paradox 2007, Bothy Vineyards, Frilford Heath, Oxfordshire, Liwicki Family,10.5%, Ortega and Findling. 50 cl.
6. Rooibergse Koop Wygnmakery Muskadel Superior, 1986 Vinkrivier, Robertson, South Africa (Nederberg Auction 1991). No stated alcohol.
7. Banchereau Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin de Luigné 1988, 13.5%.
8. Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure, Montbazilliac Cuvée Abbaye 1995, 13%, Sémillon, Muscadelle. 50 cl.
9. Vin de Constance, 2000, Klein Constantia, Natural Sweet Wine, 14%. 50 cl.
10. Capezzana Vin Santo de Carmignano Reserve, 2003, Nobil Casa Contini Bonacossi, 15.5%. 2 x 37.5cl.

A cold buffet will be provided by the Army and Navy Club.

Organiser and presenter, Dr Bernard Lamb, National Guild of Wine and Beer Judges