Andrew Brodie was an ex Chairman of London Branch, and a member of the EAZ Committee. When he died suddenly on 30th August, he was working with Jack Rubyn of Marin County Branch on a special lunch at the Michelin-starred Pied à Terre Restaurant in London, showcasing wines from the Napa Valley. Jack suggested that we continue with the event as a special tribute to Andrew, and Mathieu Germond of Pied à Terre enthusiastically agreed. Marin County Branch very kindly agreed to donate some of its best wines for this event, and the result was sensational. Representatives of the EAZ and St James Branches were invited to attend, in addition to London Branch, in recognition of Andrew’s wider involvement.
The reception started off with a non-vintage Montreaux Brut Sparkling Wine from the Monticello Vineyards, after which we sat down to Cornish Hake, with seaweed, celery and clams accompanied by a delightful 2013 Chardonnay from Hudson in Napa’s Carneros district. Then for the next course of Partridge, with parsnip, pear and walnut, Jack had really gone to town with 1983 and 1985 vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon from Heitz Martha’s Vineyard. Both were in beautiful condition, and a great accompaniment to the partridge. This was followed by Fallow Deer, with celeriac, watercress, sprouts and chestnut. This time we were back to 1978 & 1982, with Cabernet Sauvignon from Beaulieu Vineyard’s “Georges De Latour” Private Reserve. Again it was in great condition. Opinions varied as to which was best, but one very rarely has the opportunity to taste wine of this age from California. This was even more so with the 1974 & 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Mondavi’s Private Reserve, which accompanied the cheese. Altogether quite unforgettable. Finally, a special dessert of chocolate, mandarin, honeycomb and stem ginger, accompanied by 1988 Elysium “Black Muscat” from Quady Winery: not a Napa wine this time, but very well suited to the chocolate.
Everyone agreed that this event had been a fantastic experience, and a very fitting tribute to Andrew. Special thanks are due to the team at Pied à Terrre, and to Jack Rubyn and Marin County Branch for their very generous contributions.
Alan Shepherd
London Branch