London Branch’s AGM was held last month at the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall. It was followed by a dinner at which wines from the club cellar accompanied the first two courses, as follows:
Kings cured smoked salmon mousse with blini, capers and horseradish cream
The choice of wines, both described in the wine list as “full bodied and rich”:
- Chablis, Domaine Chanson, 2018
The wine negoçiant Chanson, established in 1750, has a large range of wines. Those from vines at the property itself, near Beaune, are under the “Domaine Chanson” label. This wine is well structured, refreshing, aromatic with a mineral finish.
- Macon Solutré, Maison Auvigue, 2018
The Auvigue family have been in the Maconnais, south of Burgundy, for generations.
A creamy wine, fruity and floral with a touch of minerality.
Pancetta wrapped pork fillet with spring onion, leek potato cake and sage juice The choice of wines:
- Army and Navy Club Claret, 2016
This is listed in the “smooth, soft, medium bodied” section of the Club’s wine list.
- Château Mondorion, St Emilion, 2014
This château was completely renovated and restructured by four friends, including an industrialist and others with professional wine expertise, who acquired it in 2000. It was bought back by Thibault Cruse in 2013, keeping some of the professionals to continue their work. The wines are well regarded. This velvety wine with integrated tannins shows intense blackcurrant fruit on the nose and palate.
AGM business at the start of the evening takes little time, to confirm that our administration is all in order. The Chair’s report is presented, the accounts are received, considered and accepted, and the Committee for the forthcoming year elected. It is an occasion when the Committee can listen to members’ wishes and what they would like to see in the programme. Then we can move on to enjoyable socialising – this year at the dinner with its accompanying wines.
Rachel Burnett