Commanderie
July 18, 2025Commanderie de Bordeaux in Bristol. Handover of power to the New Maître, Peter Clough. The Commanderie’s 45th Anniversary, «succession banquet» on 3rd July 2025
The Grand Maître of the GCVB, Jean-Marc Dulong travelled to the UK to join the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Bristol, to preside over the induction ceremony held on Thursday 3rd July at Merchants’ Hall in Clifton, Bristol, for the handover of power to the new Maître, Peter Clough and to present Sue Darwall-Smith with the title of Maître Emérite.
The 90 attendees had the benefit of beautiful English summer weather and several bottles of 1949 Chateaux Margaux from Regent Giles Clarke's cellar!
Sue Darwall Smith’s 10-year mandate as Maître was tremendously appreciated by all the members of the Commanderie. Her keen organisation skills from her previous role as a Barrister and then Judge were applied to running the Commanderie. Her love of to coming to visit the Bordeaux wine region and the many friendly bonds she formed with château owners ensured that the Bristol Commanderie was always given a warm welcome. Her husband Simon also played a key role in the wonderful success of Sue’s role as Maître, by his constant support.
The Bristol Commanderie members were joined by representatives of other UK Commanderies:
Jeremy and Jaine Cary (London)
John and Frances East (London)
Colin and Margaret Smith (Manchester)
Malcolm Wood (Edinburgh)
The induction ceremony began just before 7pm and was followed by a wonderful “succession banquet”.
Wines served during the banquet were as follows:
2020 Château Brane-Cantenac White, Bordeaux
2005 Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry, Cru Classé, Margaux
2005 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux
1949 Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux
1990 Château Guiraud, 1er Cru Classé, Sauternes – in Imperial bottles
