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

Sue Darwall Smith – Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Bristol

The much anticipated Léoville-Poyferré Tasting and Dinner in memory of the late John Avery MW was a huge success.

The event took place at 1904 Arts Society on Thursday 11^th May 2023 with 50 people, Commandeurs and partners, attending.

Bristol Commanderie was delighted to welcome Anne Cuvelier to present her wines. Anne’s family, the Cuvelier family, have owned Château Léoville-Poyferré since 1920. It was very special indeed that a member of the family came to Bristol.

Anne hosted a splendid visit by our Commanderie to the Château in 2010 so we were particularly pleased that she came in person.

During his lifetime, John Avery proposed that the Commanderie should hold an educational wine tasting on an annual basis with a prestigious Bordeaux château. The event continues in his memory. He loved the wines of Leoville Poyferre and would be proud to know of this event. John’s daughter Mimi and his widow Sarah, both Commandeurs, attended the evening.

Before dinner, we tasted Chateau Le Crock 2017, Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois, Chateau Moulin Riche 2016, Saint Julien, both Châteaux owned by the Cuvelier family, and finally Château Léoville Poyferré 2015, Saint Julien, 2^ème Grand Cru Classé en 1855.

Anne gave an informative summary of her wines and included fascinating stories of the responsibilities and challenges of running the family châteaux with her sister Sarah. Anne spoke about the wine making process with passion and enthusiasm which made our experience of tasting the wines so much more exciting. We appreciated just how much work is involved before we can pull the cork and taste something so delicious!

Our Cup Bearer, Mimi Avery thanked Anne for a superb tasting.

Before dinner was served, our Chaplain, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who had recently officiated at the King’s Coronation, gave a Grace with appropriate references. He gave thanks for the wines of Château Léoville Poyferré, “may the fruit of their vines ripen under the Orb of the sun until they are crowned in a great harvest”.

During dinner we were fortunate to taste Château Léoville Poyferre in Magnums, 2012, 2008 and 2005 concluding with 2009, all magnificent wines. Anne delighted everyone by moving to each table during dinner to speak about her wines. Wine appreciation was given by 5 Commandeurs, including our Cellar Master, Aidan Bell. The unanimous view was that the wines were spectacular.

It was a fabulous evening, brilliantly organised by the Cellar Master and Commandeur Patrick Kennedy. There was a wonderful atmosphere, with lively conversation and a Commanderie spirit of fun.

Everyone appreciated the privilege of attending a memorable Château Léoville Poyferré evening and expressed gratitude for the Cuvelier family’s generosity.

Bordeaux toujours Bordeaux!