The late Hugo Dunn-Meynell was Chairman and then Executive Director of IWFS over 15 years in the 1980s and 90s. Amongst his many achievements, he transformed the Society to its great benefit, bringing financial soundness, modernised management, a dedicated staff and branches in many parts of the world. He and his wife, writer Alice Wooledge Salmon, Tish, co-authored The Wine & Food Society Menu Book (1983).
Tish generously donated the bottles for this London Branch tasting, hosted by Chris Davenport-Jones at his home, with a delicious supper. We tasted in the following sequence:
- St Romain Leflaive 1992, a white burgundy.
- St Romain Leflaive 2018 Alex Gambal (supplied by Chris).
- Gemello Zinfandel 1987 Santa Clara Valley.
- Ramos Pinto 1982, a superb, smooth, well balanced port
- Chateau de Ricaud 1970 AC Loupiac, on the northern bank of the Garonne River, opposite Sauternes. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Trittenheimer Apoteke Auslese 1975. This sweet wine is from the Moselle region, one of the finest vintages, but was sadly past its best.
- 3 Madeiras followed, one supplied by Chris, one bottled by Averys, but lacking details because of missing labels.
- Finally, vintage ports: Ferreira 1970 (complex, rich and delicious), Smith Woodhouse 1985 and Dow 1977.
The ports were tasting very well. Many thanks to Tish and to Chris for this interesting and rather eclectic wine tasting opportunity.
Rachel Burnett