London Branch is very fortunate in having a number of members with superb cellars of mature wines that they are happy to share with Branch members from time to time. Lancelot Jaundoo is one of these, and this time it was 1988 Bordeaux. But instead of a conventional tasting he decided upon a wine dinner, and LB member Julian Ellis, who is a member there, kindly arranged for this to be hosted at the Cavalry and Guards Club.
This was the perfect setting for such an event. After an aperitif of Moutard Rosé Champagne, in magnum, kindly provided by Jeffrey Benson, the thirty participants sat down to a starter of ham hock and smoked Long Acre cheddar with tomato and red pepper chutney. This was served with three 1988 wines from Lance’s cellar: Château Pichon-Longville Baron (second growth Pauillac), Château Ducru Beaucaillou (second growth St Julien), and Château Lynch Bages (fifth growth Pauillac), all of which were showing perfectly.
Then for the main course there was a fillet of Beef Wellington, with Madeira sauce, Dauphinoise potatoes and glazed carrots. This came with another trio of Lance’s 1988 wines: Domaine de Chevalier (Graves Grand Cru Classé), Château Pape Clement (also Graves Grand Cru Classé), and Château Cheval Blanc (St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé). All three were of such a high standard that there was no consensus on which was best.
For the dessert, the Club served a vanilla panacotta with passion fruit and orange sauce. To accompany this, Jeffrey Benson had kindly provided a circa 1930s D’Oliveiras Golden Malmsey Madeira. The meal concluded with a cheese board and coffee.
All in all a splendid evening, and one that will be long remembered. Many thanks to all those who made it possible.
Alan Shepherd