ボルドー最高評議会
the Grand conseil du vin de bordeaux
CommanderIES, wine brotherhoods

Maître Colin Smith 

There was a good turnout of commandeurs for our AGM and the recent good weather necessitated a change from the usual black-tie to less formal wear: A good excuse to breakout the Commanderie Tie!

Pre-meeting drinks were held in the bar and the commandeurs spent time catching up over two excellent Bordeaux whites: The first was Château Argadens 2018, Bordeaux white, a soft-fruited and well-balanced wine. The second, Château Reynon 2019, a super-dry Sauvignon-blanc produced by the Dubourdieu family; very refreshing in the heat!

The AGM was dispatched with customary efficiency and a very special birthday commemorated for Commandeur Lees-Jones – A very happy birthday!

The first course was chilled smoked trout terrine with lemon, dill and caper crème fraiche, cucumber and warm ciabatta. This was perfectly paired with a Château Latour-Martillac Blanc, 2017, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, AOC Pessac-Léognan. This chateau was visited by the Commanderie on last year’s Bordeaux trip and the wine is a blend of 50% Semillon, 47% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle.

The main course was a beautifully presented rack of spring lamb, honey-glazed root vegetables, rosemary potatoes, charred asparagus with a mushroom and shallot sauce.

The wine chosen for with this perfectly-pink lamb was a Château Haut-Bailly 2008, Grand Cru Classé de Graves A.O.C Pessac-Léognan, served in magnum bottles.

The second red, served with the British cheese course, was Château Haut-Batailley 2009, 5^ème Cru Classé en 1855, Pauillac.

The dessert course was fresh summer berries, compote, whipped vanilla cream, meringue and crushed shortbread. This very seasonal pudding was served with a Château Coutet 2009, 1er Cru Classé, Barsac. Again, 2009 was an outstanding year for sweet white wines.

At the end of our splendid meal, we raised a customary toast to The King and finally declared a very wholehearted
“Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux!”

See the photo-montage video from the Facebook page of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester (click on the link below):
https://www.facebook.com/100090745356801/videos/792363752289409