Wednesday 1st October 2025

Eclectic wines from Bonafide Wines of Christchurch

Presented by

Graham Northeast

A well-attended meeting at which we were treated to a very entertaining and informative presentation from Graham.

With a fascinating variety of unusual wines from around Europe. See the 'Wines Tasted' page for more information.

Wednesday 3rd September 2025

A presentation by

NBD Wines

Wednesday 6th August 2025

Daniel Read from New Forest Wines presented

a French Variety

Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Summer Picnic in the M.E.D. Garden

50 members & guests brought our own wine to a very convivial summer evening event with a good choice of quiches, salads, strawberries and cream provided.

There was keen participation in a cork tossing game and a wine-themed quiz. 

Wednesday 4th June 2025

Bumper Wine Tasting Night

A good turn out of members for this special tasting evening, featuring top wines presented by committee members.

See the 'Wines Tasted' page for the descriptions.

Wednesday 7th May 2025

Portuguese Wines from 79 North 

Unfortunately, Meta Vale was unable to present the wines. However, John Billington (Chairman) & his wife, Tracie took on this task admirably. The wines tasted are shown below.

Wednesday 2nd April 2025

Spanish Wines Selection

Presented by

Tom Holt of Paso Primero Wines

Tom Holt (owner/wine maker) gave an informative and enthusiastic presentation covering his progress through the wine trade and his foundation of the Paso Primero Winery in Somontano, Northern Spain.

Wednesday 5th March 2025

South African Wines

Presented by

Preet Sahota

of Edgmond Wines, Newport, Telford

Preet  was his usual entertaining and educational self; and presented the wines as shown in the photos below...

Wednesday 5th February 2025

New Forest Wines Selection

Presented by

John Billington (chairman) and

Stuart & Sue Warnock (WWS members)

Unfortunately, Daniel Read was unable to present the wines himself (as scheduled), so John, Stuart & Sue stepped up at very short notice to present Daniel's selection. Sadly, New Forest Wines will be closing soon, so the wines tasted will not be available to purchase from there.

See the 'Wines Tasted' page for details of Daniel's Italian wine selection.

Wednesday 8th January 2025

Call My Wine Bluff

Presented by WWS members

Claire Hillyard & Stuart Warnock

The 2 presenters each provided a description of the wine we were tasting - one correct and one incorrect. Despite good natured ribbing of the truthfulness of the other presenter(!) we had to choose between :-

1. Spanish Albarino and South African Chenin Blanc

2. Chilean Saivignon Blanc and Loire Pouilly Fume

3. St. Veran White Burgundy and Premier Cru Chablis

4. Moulin a Vent Beaujolais and Hermitage Syrah

5. Campo Viejo Garnacha Rioja and Australian Tempranillo

6. St. Julien Claret and Chilean Merlot 

The underlined wine was the correct one - see the 'Wines Tasted' page for the tasting notes.

Wednesday 4th December 2024

Christmas dinner at Cloisters in Wimborne

There was a good attendance this evening - over 40 of us spread over two floors.

We were greeted with a nice Crémant de Jura and canapés. The evening was heralded by The Wimborne Town Crier, Chris Brown, and we were welcomed by the Mayor of Wimborne, our own WWS Treasurer, Jeff Hart.

The Cloisters kitchen had produced a delicious meal, enjoyed by all. The staff were very helpful, friendly and attentive – thank you to them!

Each table had brought an interesting selection of wines to share.

For example, at our table, there was a good choice: a Claret from the Haut Médoc, and a Bordeaux blend from Hawkes Bay, NZ – then an Australian dessert wine (a “sticky”), a 2^nd growth Barsac and a Soave Recioto.

We finished the evening with a hearty rendition of Good King Wenceslas. Thank you to Heather for her vocal entertainment through the evening.

We’d also had a picture quiz challenging participants to identify famous Victorians and a wine related quiz involving anagrams of wine producing regions to be located on maps.

Peter H, Dec 2024

Wednesday 6th November 2024

Port

Presented by Mike Webber &

Roy King-Underwood

WWS members

At a well-attended meeting, 47 members and guests were treated to a tasting of a variety of port types.

Port general introduction

Douro valley where port is produced was defined and established as a protected region, in 1756. The third oldest protected wine after Chianti (1716) and Tokai (1730).

All Ports commercially available are from a blend of different grapes. Over 100 varieties of grapes are sanctioned for port production, although only 5 are widely cultivated and used: Touriga Nacional; Tinta Barroca; Tinto Cao, Tinta Roriz; and Touriga Francesca.  Producers’ labels don’t usually list the varieties used.

A neutral grape spirit, called aguardente, is added to the wine to stop the fermentation part way through process thus preserving some of the sweetness of the juice.

Some ports are best drunk chilled, some at room temperature.  Some will keep for months after opening, some only a couple of days. See Tasting Notes for more details.

Wednesday 2nd October 2024

New "New Forest Wines"

Selected by Daniel Read

Proprietor of New Forest Wines, Ringwood

Presented by John Billington,

WWS Chairman

In a well-attended meeting, 37 members and guests were treated to a tasting of a variety of wines newly stocked by New Forest Wines in Ringwood. As Daniel Read was unwell, he liaised with our chairman so John could present the wines - and what a good job he made of it! 

With white wines from Austria & Australia and red wines from Portugal, Spain & Italy

(see "Wines Tasted" for details.) we had an interesting spread of grape varieties to tempt our palates. 

Wednesday 4th September 2024

"A Trip Round Corsica"

Presented by Norman Atkinson

WWS Member

Wednesday 7th August 2024

"South Western France"

Presented by John Billington & Mike Webber

WWS Members

Wednesday 3rd July 2024

Summer Party in the

M.E.D. garden

42 members and guests attended our summer picnic where we enjoyed a lovely selection of savoury flans and salads provided by Rachel at Deli Hart; accompanied by wine we had brought ourselves.

The rain (mostly) held off so we could enjoy a treasure hunt quiz in the garden provided by Barbara and a game of 'Toss the cork as close to the bottle as you can!' provided by Stuart & Sue; and won by Amanda.

Wednesday 5th June 2024

"Beautiful Burgundy"

Presented by Claire Hillyard & Caroline McGregor,

WWS Committee Members

Wednesday 1st May 2024

South African Wines

Presented by Preet Sahota,

Edgmond Wines, Newport, Shropshire

A well-attended meeting (37). Preet gave a very interesting presentation, covering how he began in the wine industry and set up his business. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the wines he sells, and has visited all the wineries from which his wines are sourced, and anecdotes about his trips to S,Africa gave us an insight into some of the producers. (See "wines tasted" pages for information on the wines and vineyards concerned.) 

He was also able to offer us significant discounts on any wine we wished to purchase.

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Italian wines

Presented by Daniel Read,

New Forest Wines, Ringwood

Name of presentation: Wines of Italy

Month of presentation: April 2024

Presenter: Daniel Read (New Forest Wines)

Q Why did you choose this theme?

A Since WWS hadn't received a presentation on Italy for a while, it was an easy decision to make. Our Italian selection at New Forest Wines is particularly strong, so it was a great opportunity to showcase a lovely selection.

Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?

A All the wines have their individual qualities, but my preferred choice would be the Banfi 'La Lus' Albarossa. I would like to put out a special mention to the Saraja 'Tarra Noa' Vermentino though, a superb wine for well under £20.

Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?

A The general consensus seemed to be positive, it's good to know that we're doing something right!

Any Links to related articles/further information:

Website: https://newforestwines.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_forest_wines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newforestwines/

Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A Felsina Berardanga ‘I Sistri’ Chardonnay 2020

Overall favourite red wine of the evening?
A Banfi ‘La Lus Albarossa 2019

Wednesday 6th March 2024

Wines from Eastern Europe

Presented on behalf of Chris Holding by John Billington

WWS chairman

Wednesday 7th February 2024

Peter's Cellar

Presented by Peter Hampton

WWS committee member

An imaginary tour of Peter's cellar, presenting a selection of wines collected over several years.

Subjects covered:

• Creating a cellar (doesn't have to be underground - any cool quiet vibration-free room or area will do. Avoid temperature fluctuations and excessive dryness.
• Decide what wines you like and research them, using reputable wine merchants, either online or physically present
• How to purchase "en primeur": assuming you have chosen wine(s) which can be long-lasting,
• Refer to independent sources (e.g Decanter magazine) to select  good quality wines which will benefit from ageing. Many wine merchants will store wines for you "in bond" - at a price -  when they receive them from the producer. Pay duty & VAT when you want to take delivery yourself.
• Keep a "cellar book" to record when wine was purchased, price, vendor, leaving space for tasting notes, the date consumed and what the occasion was. 

Wednesday 3rd January 2024

Celebrity Wines

Presented by Tracie Billington-Beardsley

WWS committee member

Q Why did you choose this theme?
A Who doesn’t love a bit of celeb gossip? Wines endorsed and produced by celebrities have seen a huge increase with filmstars, footballers, rock stars, chefs and comedians launching their own labels. But do these celebrity wines shine like the stars that produced them or will they only have fifteen minutes of fame?

Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?
A I was pleasantly surprised by the organic red by Gary Barlow of Take That fame. At only £8 a bottle it is incredibly good value for an organic wine. A drinkable, everyday wine.

Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?
A Celebrity Proseccos had got a bad press so there was a feeling that the wines may be likewise.
In the Chardonnay compare and contrast which saw Kylie Minogue go head-to-head with Sir Ian Botham – the cricketer’s All Rounder Chardonnay hit a six with a majority of members. None knew the price before tasting but the less expensive at £11 compared to £20 was the player of the match!
Member Amanda, not normally a red wine drinker, found a red wine she enjoyed in John Terry’s full-bodied Wine of Champions Salice Salentino 2020.
Long-time members Mike and June, experienced wine tasters, shared their scoring system with the meeting and revealed that some of the celebrity wines (Kylie Minogue’s Pinot Noir 2020 and Ian Botham’s All Rounder Chardonnay 2023) hit a five with seven being the highest score.
Member Stuart won the most celebrity puns worked into sentences during the evening.

Links to related articles/further information:
Best celebrity wines: How good are they? - Decanter

Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A Ian Botham All Rounder Chardonnay

Overall favourite red wine of the evening?
A John Terry Wine of Champions Salice Salentino 2020 

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Wednesday 6th December 2023

Our Christmas meal

at the Museum of East Dorset

A very pleasant evening enjoying canapes and a welcome drink; followed by a four course meal with an interesting variety of wines at each table, brought in by members.

Some members took part in the optional fancy dress competition!

Click here for our hearty rendition of Good King Wenceslas! (as seen on Facebook)

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Wednesday 1st November 2023

AGM

chaired by John Billington

then

"Fortified Wines"

Presented by:Roy King-Underwood and Mike Webber (WWS members)

AGM: John briefly covered WWS events of the year, and also a treasurer's report summary - our financial state is healthy. We are closing our HSBC account and moving to Santander, who have been more accommodating with regard to our requirements.

The fortified wines presentation then followed...

Mike first gave an overview of the general principle of how fortified wines are made and stored. Mike and Roy then alternated in telling us about the following wines:

1. "Porto Branco" - Graham's Fine White port, nv.  19%abv,Wine Society, £13.95/btl.

A blend of several Portuguese grapes, resulting in a pale-lemon coloured port, just slightly off-dry, notes of apple skin, honey and almond. Good length. Served chilled, this is a lovely aperitif, and wsould mix beautifully with tonic for a longer drink.

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2. Alegria Manzanilla, sherry.

Palomino grape.Pale lemon colour, dry slightly 'dusty' nose. Apple hints and slightly 'salty' (its origin and storage at Sanlucar de Barrameda, by the sea at Jerez, may have somthing to do with this). Lovely dry finish.   have it with olives!

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3. Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe  Fino sherry. 15%abv, Tesco, £13

Palomino. Pale gold, nutty dry nose.   Taste v.dry and lightly yeasty, Hazelnut skins.

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4. Pellegrino Cantine de Vita Marsala, Sicily,  18%abv.Waitrose £12.49

Grillo & Cataratto grapes.  Deep gold, medium walnutty finish. Matured using Solera system.

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5.Blandy's Verdelho Madeira 10 y.o.  19%abv, Wine Society £21.50/50cl btl

 Verdelho grape. 1 step sweeter than Sercial, the dryest. 1 drier than Bual.  Brownish gold, pale aureole.   Medium sweetness.  Nutty, dryish slightly honeyed nose.  Dried fruit finish, hints of coffee.

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6.Stanton & Killeen Rutherglen (Victoria) Muscat, 12 y.o.  18%abv,Wine Society, £19/half btl.

Muscat grape. Dark brown;  Oaked, molasses nose, toffee and dried fruit - 'liquid Christmas cake' taste. massive length.

Try with chocolate?

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Over all, a very successful tasting, covering a wide varity of fortified wines - note, only one port tonight.   We'll try and get a port tasting together for Autumn next year.

Wednesday 4th October 2023

"Call My Bluff"

Presented by Claire Hillyard, WWS Committee

Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Spanish Wine

Presented by Stuart Warnock, WWS President

Spanish wine (Spanish: vinos españoles) Includes red, white,and sparkling wines produced throughout the country. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain has over 1.2 million hectares (2.9 million acres) planted in wine grapes, making it the most widely planted wine-producing nation, but the second largest producer of wine in the world, behind Italy and ahead of France and the United States.

The country has an abundance of native grape varieties, with over 400 varieties planted throughout Spain, though 88 percent of the country's wine production is from only 20 grapes.

Major Spanish wine regions include:

The Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which are known for their Tempranillo production; Jumilla, known for its Monastrell production; Jerez de la Frontera, the home of the fortified wine Sherry;

Rías Baixas in the northwest region of Galicia that is known for its white wines made from Albariño and Catalonia which includes the Cava and still wine-producing regions of the Penedès 

The Wines

Cava Mestres Coquet

Brut Nature

Cava Gran Reserva 2018

Brut Nature - is the driest Cava you can get with only 3g of sugar  per litre. Where as a standard Brut is 12g of sugar per litre.

A Cava Gran Reserva is the highest grade of Cava you can buy. The wine must spend a minimum of 30 months on the lees for this classification.

This Gran Reserva, is made from local grapes Maccabeo and a small amount of Parellada.

It is aged on its yeast lees for an incredible 42 months.

The result is a delicate, textured and refined fizz with finesse and purity.

Alcohol Level 12% Style 1 - Bone dry.

Vintage 2018 Price £ 22.00 / Bottle

Muga Rosado, Rioja 2022

A stylish, vibrant Rioja Rosé or Rosada

from one of this famous Spanish region's leading lights. No oak here at all, just delicate, pretty and mouthwatering fruit.

Sue and I used to drink loads of this wine in Spain, it is easy drinking, and ideal for summer evenings. With or without food.

Muga, is one of the most traditional, of Rioja’s bodegas, with not a stainless steel tank in sight.

This particular wine is produced by a 12-hour maceration process and then fermented in 2,000-litre oak tanks, in which the wine rests for two months before being bottled.  So 12 hours on the skins to give the pink colour and extra depth of flavour.It is predominantly made from Grenacha  grapes with a little Viura and Temprinillo added in.

Origin Rioja

Alcohol Level 13.5%  - Dry Price  £10.95

Bodegas Bhilar

Kha Mé      Garnacha Blanca, Rioja 2022

This wine is the first wine aged in terracotta, amphora by Bodegas Bhilar. 

This is not an orange wine made from a prolonged skin maceration. Rather, it was made using a traditional ageing method that allows the wine to evolve very differently than if it was just aged in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.

The grapes are crushed and fermented for a few days prior to being aged in the terracotta amphora for 18 months.

This wine sees no oak,   it is the terracotta which helps it retain its freshness and richness.

This truly is a thrilling white wine from a 60-year-old Rioja vineyard planted to Garnacha Blanca.

The wine is said to be floral with a touch of honey and a saline quality that sets it apart from other white Rioja.

Origin Rioja, Alavesa

Alcohol Level 12.5% More than enough

Price £ 21.00

CUNE Crianza   Rioja

2020

To be classed Crianza the wine has a minimum of one year in casks and a few months in the bottle. At the Crianza level, the wines are most commonly aged in used oak, so the oak flavours are not as strong. The goal of Crianza is a high-quality daily drinking wine.

Cune Crianza is produced by the fifth generation of the founders of CVNE, mainly from handpicked Tempranillo grapes. It ages for a minimum of one year in American and French oak casks and some months in the bottle prior to its release.

13.5% Alcohol

£10.00 a bottle less 25%  so only £7.50

CVNE Imperial Reserva,

 Rioja 2018

One of the great names, CVNE Imperial is one of the region's classiest Riojas. Whilst there is a vast array of wines bottled under the CVNE label, by far the most important in quality terms is the Imperial label which has become one of Rioja’s most famous names since it was first produced in the 1920s.

The Imperial Reserva tends to be a blend of around 80% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 10% mazuelo which is aged for two years in American and French oak, then a further two in bottle before release.

This young 2018 is full, dense and velvety with flattering oak spice.

Drink 2023 – 2031

Alcohol   14%

£20:00

CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva

Rioja 2015

The Gran Reserva, an absolute classic Rioja only released in the best vintages, spends three years in barrels and released with at least a further four years in bottle.

This truly is a magnificent Rioja and one of the great wines from this famous Spanish region.

The fine tobacco aroma and spicy oak supports the intense sweet fruit character of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo.

Decant to drink now or cellar with ease.

Wine Drink Dates 2021 - 2035

Alcohol Level 14%

Price £ 46.00 

Pinot noir  is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from pinot noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black. The word pine alludes to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pinecone–shaped bunches of fruit.

Pinot noir is grown around the world, mostly in cooler climates, and the variety is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. Pinot noir is now used to make red wines around the world, as well as champagne, sparkling white wines such as the Italian Franciacorta, and English sparkling wines.

Pinot noir is a difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine.^[ The grape's tendency to produce tightly packed clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards involving rot that require diligent canopy management. The thin skins and low levels of phenolic compounds lend pinot to producing mostly lightly coloured, medium-bodied and low-tannin wines that can often go through phases of uneven and unpredictable aging. When young, wines made from pinot noir tend to have red fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries, and strawberries. As the wine ages, pinot has the potential to develop more vegetal and "barnyard" aromas that can contribute to the complexity of the wine.

Waitrose Blanc de Noir Champagne  NV - £23:00 - 12.5%

This Champagne was Crafted for Waitrose by award-winning Champagne house Alexandre Bonnet

A Blanc de Noir as the name translates is White from black. IE  a white wine form black Grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Whilst Blanc de Blanc Champagne is 100% Chardonnay

Other champagnes are usually a blend of the 3 grapes,

For example Pol Roger is a pretty even split of  a third of each grape.

Whilst Veuve Clicquot is  50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier, 28 to 33% Chardonnay

What is Vintage/ Non-Vintage Champagne?

Vintage doesn't actually mean that the Champagne is old, just that it's made from grapes from one single year.

Non-Vintage Champagne (NV) is where Champagne is made from a blend of different wines from different years.

The Winemaker balances the flavour, aromas and tastes uniformly year on year consistently producing a Champagne that the Champagne label is known for.

Non-Vintage Champagne must mature for a minimum of 15 months on the lees.

 That’s why the is no year on a Non Vintgate bottle, just the letters (NV)

If you see a year stamped on your bottle of champagne, then it's a vintage champagne, not all years are Vintage years, it is only the best years where a vintage is declared.

Ripe fruit flavours and biscuity character.

Bowler & Brolly Lyme Bay England 2021 – ALDI - £10.99 - 11.5%

 A Pleasant English Rose!

This is a Devon based winery, who have linked up with a supermarket chain and are selling wines under the Brand Bowler and Brolly.

This wine is Not 100% straight Pinot Noir, it contains an  (unknown)  percentage  of Pinot Noir Perecoce which  is a wonderful grape variety that is closely related to Pinot Noir.

Perecoce  just translates to early. So the grape is simply an early ripening Pinot Noir. As It has Early ripening, it is suited to the UK’s cool climate, it produces wines that are silky smooth and is often used to blend with Pinot Noir.

It is also used a lot in pink Proseccos

As the English climate still tends to be a bit cooler, the traditional  grapes may not ripen fully. This can lead to less than desirable amounts of sugar, lower alcohol levels after fermentation and less complex aromas and flavours.

However, adding the Pinot Noir Precoce provides a bit more sugar to the mix, thus boosting the alcohol level,

This wine has a beautiful pale salmon pink colour. Delicate floral nose of fresh orange blossoms and ripe peach awakene the senses.Followed by mouthwatering grapefruit, melon and subtle strawberry notes on a lingering finish. 

La Carezza Veneto Italy – 2021 - £10.99

This vineyard lies between Venice and Milan in Norther Italy, but more to the east so closer to Venice.

taly This wine comes from high in the beautiful volcanic hills outside of Vicenza,  where  lies a special vineyard planted with only Pinot Noir vines.

Perfectly ripe grapes are harvested in the cool of the early morning and delicately handled throughout the winemaking journey.

The winemaker ensures the vibrant, red fruit flavours and delicate light pink colour are reflected in the final Rosé wine when it is bottled.

Villa Blanche Pays D’oc France 2021 - £9.39

Founded in 1995, Calmel & Joseph specialize in Languedoc-Roussillon wines from private wineries from across the region.

Over the years, they have built close personal relationships with a large number of growers from all appellations.

Convinced of the extraordinary potential of this region, Laurent Calmel, and Jerome Joseph work together on the vinification.

Blending and ageing of wines with the common purpose of demonstrating the little known, yet unique quality of these Mediterranean terroirs. As well as their desire to produce high quality wines consistent with their terroirs, they are committed to making wines which reflect their convictions and experience.

Vineyards, Clay-limestone base

Situated in the most continental part of the Languedoc Roussillon, the soil is lightly sandy, so it is well aerated and drains well.

The vineyard is at 250 metres altitude and there is a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which is ideal for Pinot Noir.

The grapes are destemmed and sorted. Fermentation takes place at around 22°C  Punch down twice daily during alcoholic fermentation.

Three weeks in tank. Malolactic fermentation happens after settling in concrete tanks where it is aged for five months before bottling after Light filtration.

Tasting Notes

Ruby-red colour.

The first nose is very fruity with notes of red berries such as cherries and blueberry.

It is round and dense in the mouth, very well balanced, with great freshness at the finish. Notes of red fruits dominate in the mouth with a touch of blackcurrant and spices combining in great harmony.

You should also find cherry, grenadine, redcurrant, and cooked strawberry, but also notes of leather and spice. The subtle tannins of Pinot Noir express themselves harmoniously, giving way to a magnificently taut finish.

Citrus and red fruit intermingle with lightly peppery notes.

Nanny Goat Otago New Zealand 2021 - £16.99

Should be £19.99

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2021

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME 

This is taken from the winemakers.

In late 2004 during a trek to a restaurant nestled high above the picturesque town of Queenstown. We were headed there for some breath- taking scenery, good food and of course some great Central Otago Pinot Noir. What was supposed to be a relaxing stroll quickly became quite an ordeal with an unplanned deviation from the not so well-defined walking track.This journey became the inspiration for the naming of Nanny Goat Vineyard. The gentle terrain quickly transformed, leaving all concerned to navigate some rather perilous ground. The name “Nanny Goat Vineyard” stuck. It seemed to be a fair reflection of our determination to succeed, adapt and thrive in the rugged and often extreme climates of Central Otago; much like the nimble and sure footed wild goats of the region have done before us.

From our inception and the inaugural release of our Pinot Noir in 2005, Nanny Goat Vineyard has strived to produce wines with elegance, concentration and balance whilst allowing each individual parcel of fruit to tell its unique story.

Seductively heady aromas of rose petals, dried cranberry and bright crunchy red cherries.

Dried thyme, roasted coffee bean, and just a faint wisp of candle smoke gradually reveal themselves.

The palate envelops the senses with a plush layer of powdery fine tannin, gently guiding towards a core of dark plum and chocolate dipped cherries.

A spark of bright acidity illuminates the mid palate, carrying through to a finish that lingers long past the last sip.

Premier Cru Louis Jadot France 2017 - £36

Beaune wine is produced in the commune of Beaune in the Côte de Beaune.

subregion of Burgundy.

Beaune as an appellation can be used for red and white wine with  Pinot noir and Chardonnay as the main grape variety.

However the production consists of slightly over 85 percent red wine,

While there are no Grand cru vineyards within Beaune, there are several well-known and highly regarded Premier cru vineyards, including some that are owned by the large négociant houses in Beaune and produce some of their "flagship" wines at the Premier cru level.

Beaune is also the centre of the Burgundy wine business, with most of the largest négociants located in the town, as well as the Hospices de Beaune, which annually holds a world famous charity wine auction.

The 50 Hospices de Beaune wines put up for auction are sold ‘en primeur’ (as futures). It is always the current year’s vintage that is put up for auction.

During the auction on the third Sunday in November, the wine has only just been vinified in the Domaine des Hospices winery. And Bottles once mature sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds each.

It is An expressive and elegant red Premier Cru Côte d'Or red Burgundy.

The grapes for this reliably good wine come from a selection of some of Louis Jadot's smaller, but highly prized Premier Cru vineyards in the Beaune appellation.

This is a part of Burgundy where Jadot are particularly strong.

After the different parcels of wine were blended it was then aged for 15-18 months in barrel.

Now, having gained bottle age the classic earthy pinot noir aromas are now showing through really well and round off this culitvated wine just perfectly.
 

Beautiful and intense on the nose with aromas of cherry, strawberry, vanilla. Medium acidity with rounded tanins already. Medium body but real presence in the mouth with flavours of raspberry and sour cherries.

It's a good match for rich poultry dishes like a classic coq au vin, or equally with mild creamy cheeses.

S W March 23

Wednesday 2nd November 2022

"Fine Wine"

A look at 'Fine Wine' - a selection assembled by Peter Hampton & Mike Webber,

Presented by Mike & June Webber

We began by considering first what we thought was meant by the term 'fine wine'.

Famous? French? Fearsomely expensive?  One or more of these F’s may be applicable, but there are many fine wines to which none of these F’s apply.  So what is the definition?

Hugh Johnson said, perhaps a bit tongue in cheek, that a fine wine was any wine that you could recommend and wanted to talk about. 

The best explanation that I’ve found for the term “fine wine” comes from an article that Nick Alabaster wrote for on-line magazine wineanorak.com, and the gist of it follows:

“The loose criteria I use to decide whether a wine is fine or not are as follows.

Balance
A wine must be equal or greater than the sum of its parts. No component should dominate (e.g. it shouldn't be too acidic, tannic, fruity, alcoholic).  A wine's balance may be questioned when young yet it still might improve with age (e.g. tannins); however, fine wines do strike a balance which should still be evident in youth.

Length
It's important that the wine experience is not too fleeting, it should linger in a positive manner.

Complexity
It must have many facets to its nose and palate so the overall experience is not too straightforward; rather, it should have a changing, somewhat enigmatic side which makes it more fascinating and rewarding than most wine.

Typicity
Personally, I prefer the wine to reflect the highest achievements from within it's given region and style. However, we must remember that being satisfied entirely with what has gone before is no way to make progress!

From the above it should be possible to arrive at a loose definition of 'fine wine': one that shows elegance matched with concentration and interest. These are my characteristics of fine wine. However, wine is an inexact science, and there's always room for manoeuvre!”

How are all Nick Alabaster’s criteria met?  The following list isn’t his but I doubt if he’d argue much with it:

• The grapes are high quality and grown with attentiveness and precision;
• The vineyard site is exceptional;
• The growing conditions were excellent for a particular vintage;
• The region is famous for the specific style of wine;
• The winemaker is experienced and talented;
• The components of the wine (fruit, acid, tannin, alcohol) should knit together harmoniously
• The winery consistently produces excellent wines;
• The wine has aging potential and developing character.

All of which takes quite a lot of remembering, so perhaps Hugh Johnson’s one-liner was better.  Rather than reading about fine wine, let’s drink some!

The wines tasted were chosen after discussions between me (Peter H) and Mike Webber - to whom, my thanks for taking on presentatonal duties (I could not attend as I am isolating in anticipation of imminent heart surgery) and were as follows:

Blanquette de Limoux Réserve, Antech, 2019,12% abv.

Bone dry. Mauzac . No oak . Languedoc, France

Drink now to 2024

The Society's Exhibition Pouilly-Fumé, 2019, 14.5%abv

Dry, Sauvignon Blanc, No oak, Loire, France

Drink now to 2024

Lemelson Thea's Selection Willamette Valley Pinot Noir , 2018, 13.8%

Medium-bodied, Oak not very noticeable, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Drink now to 2026

Chateau Angludet, Margaux, 2014, 13.5%

Full bodied, smooth oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Drink now to 2025

Henriques and Henriques Sercial, Madeira, 10 Years Old, 20%

Medium sweet, No oak

Can keep for years

Royal Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos, 2017, 11%

Dessert sweetness, Furmint, Oak not very noticeable, Mád, Tokaji, Hungary

Drink now to 2038

Not all of the wines appealed to everyone, but by and large, the selected wines were well-received by members.

Peter H. Nov 2022

PGH, June 2022

Wednesday 6th April 2022

"Restaurant Wines"

Presentation by Ian Murray of Templar Wines, Poole. (Wine Suppliers to the on-trade).

The members & guests enjoyed an enthralling evening in the company of Ian Murray of Templar Wines, Poole who provided both a very interesting and informative presentation of restaurant themed wines. Ian had worked in the past with Matthew Clark prior to moving to Dorset. The wines presented paired restaurants serving Seafood, Vegan, Thai, Organic, Italian and Steak. In addition to an insight into how he advises Restaurants and Hotels on their pricing structure with regards to the wines. 

 The presentation entitled “Restaurant Wines” featured six wines:

• Seafood:
• Picpoul de Pinet Domaine Paul Colline, Bezier Languedoc, France. Alcohol: 12.5% £9.95
• Vegan:
• Chateau Fesles La Chapelle Anjou Blanc, Loire Valley, France. Alcohol 14% £13.95
• Thai:
•  Adobe Organic Gewurztraminer, Rapel Valley, Chile. Alcohol 13% £10
• Organic:
• Domaine Du Chateau D’Eau Organic Pinot Noir, Languedoc, France Alcohol 13.5% £10.50
• Italian:
• Ca Vittoria Appassimento, Puglia, Italy. Alcohol 14.5% £11
• Steak:
• Hermandad, Familia Falasco Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. Alcohol 14.5% £23

Geoff Jones, April 2022

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Meeting of Wimborne Wine Society 2^nd March 2022.

A smaller attendance of members & guests were treated to an interesting and informative evening by Graham Fisher the Vineyard Manager of Bride Valley Vineyard. In addition to an insight into the production of the wines Graham was able to provide a history of the Vineyard and particularly the career of Steven Spurrier. 

 The presentation entitled “A year in the Vineyard” featured six wines: WWS members can order any BV wine for home delivery, and receive 10% discount on application of voucher code "Wimborne 10".

• 2018 Dorset Cremant, Alcohol: 12% ABV
• Chardonnay 59%, Pinot Meunier 27%, Pinot Noir 14%
• Suitable for Vegans

• 2019 Dorset Chardonnay, Alcohol: 11% abv
• 100% Chardonnay
• Suitable for Vegans

• 2017 Blanc De Blancs; sparkling wine made with Chardonnay, Alcohol: 12% abv
• 100% Chardonnay
• Suitable for Vegans

• 2019 Dorset Pinot Noir Rosé, Alcohol: 11% abv
• Pinot Noir
• Suitable for Vegans

• 2018 Dorset Pinot Noir Alcohol: 12% abv
• Pinot Noir
• Suitable for Vegans

This was a rare opportunity to taste this lovely Dorset Red, not often available at tastings.

• 2017 Brut Reserve, Alcohol: 12% abv
• Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
• Suitable for Vegans

      Move over, Taittinger!

Graham also spoke about the Bride Valley Club which as a member you receive six bottles of Bride Valley wine, at least twice a year, with a 15% discount on those and all subsequent orders. Further details of The Club are available on their website.

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Wednesday 2nd February 2022

"An Interesting Selection"

Following the cancellation of January’s meeting due to Covid and advice from Public Health, Dorset it was very good to return to near normality for the February presentation.

A group of about 30 members and guests enjoyed a very interesting and informative presentation by Jonathan Charles of The Dorset Wine Company based in Poundbury. The presentation entitled “An Interesting Selection” featured six wines:

2020 Cintila Branco, Peninsula de Setubal, Portugal - £7.99 per bottle

2020 Funkstille Gruner Veltliner, Neiderosterreich, Austria - £10.99 per bottle

2019 Block Series Semillon, Julio Bouchin,Vall de Maule, Chile - £16.99 per bottle

2020 Iris Malbec, Bodegas Staphyle, Mendoza, Argentina - £8.95 per bottle

2018 Spatburgunder, Hanewald Schwerdt, Pfalz, Germany - £13.99 per bottle

2020 Finca Resalso, Bodegas Emillio Moro,Riberadel Duero, Spain - £14.95 per bottle

The presentation was preceded by a very brief extraordinary general meeting at which the Treasurer gave an overview of the Society's current financial position and the Chairman reported on the Society's activities since March 2020. The AGM of the Society will be held later in the year. 

Geoff Jones, Feb. 2022

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MEETING REPORTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED TO OUR GOOGLE DRIVE AREA

Click on one of the links below to see these past reports.

MEETING REPORTS 2020

MEETING REPORTS 2019

MEETING REPORTS 2018

MEETING REPORTS 2017

MEETING REPORTS 2016