Our theme was wines to warm you in winter’s chill, so it was entirely predictable that spring suddenly appeared in the capital. Nonetheless, twelve brave Cambridge Society members supped a series of wines that increased steadily in alcohol from 13.5% to 20% with no fewer than three dry reds over 15%. The key is always balance, both for the wines and for those tasting them and I am pleased to report admirable behaviour from all. So which wines showed best? Everyone is given three votes and the top wine of the night was Ch D’Angludet 2014 Margaux with 10 votes. However unfashionable claret may seem, the quality is still there and at a very reasonable price. It was also the only wine under 14% abv. Then equal second with 7 votes each were Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 from Carneros in Napa Valley (the only white in the line-up, and an oaked chardonnay, again hardly fashionable, yet simply delicious) and another Napa wine, this time Shafer Merlot 2012 from Stag’s Leap. Cam Soc members have excellent taste!
Organised by Richard Pearey