What we tasted in March 2022

In March we welcomed back Lance Foyster MW of Clark Foyster who presented an excellent range of Austrian wines. It was great to see Lance in person after he presented to the society via Zoom last year.

For more information:
Web: clarkfoysterwines.co.uk

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Stadt Krems, Grüner Veltliner, Lössterrassen 2021
  2. Schloss Gobelsburg, Langenlois Grüner Veltliner Kamptal DAC p2020
  3. Rainer Wess, Wachauer Riesling 2016
  4. Gerard Pittnauer, Perfect Day, Burgenland 2020
  5. Feiler-Artinger, Zweigelt, Burgenland 2020
  6. Umathum, St Laurent Klassik 2019
  7. Prieler, Ried Johanneshöhe, Blaufrankisch 2018
  8. Helmut Lang, Goldmuskateller Eiswein 2019

What we tasted in February 2022

In February we welcomed back Tony Wellings of The Antipodean Sommellier, who presented a great range of wines from their New Zealand and Australia portfolio. 

For more information:
Web: taswines.co.uk
Email: sales@taswines.co.uk
Tel: 01733 238 942

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Awatere River Wine Co Ltd LV Brut “Methode Traditionelle” NV – Marlborough, NZ
  2. Two Rivers “Convergence” Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Marlborough, NZ
  3. Silent Noise Fiano 2019  – McLaren Vale, AUS
  4. Silent Noise Cloudy but Fine Chardonnay 2020 – Adelaide Hills, AUS
  5. Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Rose 2021  – Marlborough, NZ
  6. Neck of the Woods Pinot Noir 2019 – Central Otago, NZ
  7. Silent Noise MF Grenache 2021  – McLaren Vale, AUS
  8. Sileny Noise Montepulciano 2021 – McLaren Vale, AUS

The next tasting – a note from our Chairman

NZ and OZ – New World Crackers!

Tony Wellings of Peterborough, ‘The Antipodean Sommelier’…

Members may remember Tony’s excellent tasting at Grand Union in May 2017.
This time he will start with a New World Fizz, quote: ‘Amazing – as good as any vintage
Champagne for me’. We will then taste a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from a winery we were introduced to last time – Two Rivers. ‘The big story of the 2021 vintage has been the low yields and very good quality’.

Almost all of the following wines are new to his Portfolio and all are new to Grand Union.
The remaining whites are a ‘new wave’ funky Chardonnay and a Fiano, Adelaide Hills and
Mclaren Vale, from one of Aussie’s youngest winemakers, Charlie O’Brien.

With spring not far away, he has added Dave Clouston’s Isle of Beauty Rose the top selling
NZ premium Rose – ‘Mediterranean style meets NZ Fruit’. A brand new Pinot Noir will follow – from ‘Neck of the Woods’ Bendigo, Central Otago (made by Jen Parr who makes highly rated Valli wines).

Two fuller-bodied Reds will complete the line-up. Both come from Mclaren Vale (a single-
vineyard Grenache and, in keeping with the semi-Italian/Aussie theme, a beautiful Montepulciano).

Tony is happy to take orders after the tasting and will offer members of the Society a special discount of 20% on the night. It is another great evening to look forward to.

John Malpass

Next tasting – Friday 11th February

In February we welcome Tony Wellings of The Antipodean Sommellier, presenting a range of wines from their New Zealand and Australia portfolio.

For more information:
Web: taswines.co.uk
Email: sales@taswines.co.uk
Tel: 01733 238 942

Please note:

  • The tasting will only be held if allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.
  • The number of attendees will be restricted, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. 
  • New members are welcome on payment of the £15 annual subscription in advance of the tasting along with the tasting fee.
  • There will be no supper nor supper wines provided. Members are welcome to bring their own food and implements and all items brought must be removed.
  • Members are expected to have been fully vaccinated, please consider whether you should attend if this is not the case.
  • Members must not attend if they are experiencing COVID symptoms
  • The meeting room will have increased ventilation via opened doors and windows
  • Members are asked to wear face masks when not seated unless exempt
  • Surfaces will be sanitised before entry. Members are asked to use the hand sanitizer provided on entry
  • Members are asked to avoid crowding on check-in and on exit
  • Spittoons will not be provided, please bring an empty plastic bottle if you need one

Note that this is a “Members Only” which must be paid for in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members to simply turn up on the night.

What we tasted in January 2022

In January we presented an interesting range of new wines from the Mentzendorff portfolio, and we thank Iain Phillips for his assistance in arranging the wines. We thank Robert McKinley, John Freeland & John Malpass for presenting the wines. 

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/hambledon-vineyards
Web: www.mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/cartuxa
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/chateau-la-fleur-de-bouard

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Hambledon Classic Cuvee NV, English Sparkling Wine
  2. Geno Branco, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2020
  3. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Branco DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019
  4. Cartuxa Colheita Branco 2016, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019
  5. Geno Tinto, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2019
  6. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2018
  7. Cartuxa Colheita Reserva Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2016
  8. Chateau La Fleur de Board, Lalande de Pomerol 2011

Next tasting – Friday 14th January

In January we hope to be hosting a members tasting with wines provided by Mentzendorff.


Please note:

  • The tasting will only be held if allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.
  • The number of attendees will be restricted, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. 
  • New members are welcome on payment of the £15 annual subscription in advance of the tasting along with the tasting fee.
  • There will be no supper nor supper wines provided. Members are welcome to bring their own food and implements and all items brought must be removed.
  • Members are expected to have been fully vaccinated, please consider whether you should attend if this is not the case.
  • Members must not attend if they are experiencing COVID symptoms
  • The meeting room will have increased ventilation via opened doors and windows
  • Members are asked to wear face masks when not seated unless exempt
  • Surfaces will be sanitised before entry. Members are asked to use the hand sanitizer provided on entry
  • Members are asked to avoid crowding on check-in and on exit
  • Spittoons will not be provided, please bring an empty plastic bottle if you need one

Note that this is a “Members Only” which must be paid for in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members to simply turn up on the night.

What we tasted in December 2021

In December welcomed Duncan Murray of Duncan Murray Wines of Market Harborough to St James the Greater for a tasting of festive wines. We had a fantastic evening and thank Duncan for his energetic presentation.

For more information:
Web: duncanmurraywines.co.uk
Email: info@duncanmurraywines.co.uk
Tel: 01858 464935
Facebook: Duncan Murray Wines
Twitter: @DMURRAYWINES

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Duffour Gascogne Blanc 2020
    Grapes: 80% Colombard, 10% Gros Manseng, 10% Sauv. & Ugni Blanc
    Region: Gascony, SW. France
  2. Granite Post Blanco 2016
    Grape: Albarino
    Region: Rias Baixas, NW Spain
  3. Gewurztraminer Gr. Cru Hatschbourg 2018 Cattin
    Grape: Gewurztraminer
    Region: Alsace, NE France
  4. Bourgogne Rouge Manor du Carra 2020
    Grape: Pinot Noir
    Region: Beaujolais, E. France
  5. Herdade Sao Miguel Tinto 2019
    Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Cab. Sauv. Syrah
    Region: Alentejo, SE Portugal
  6. Quinta do Portal Mural Tinto 2019
    Grapes: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
    Region: Douro, N. Portugal
  7. Syn Rouge Sparkling n.v.
    Grape: Shiraz
    Region: Coonawarra, S. Australia
  8. Favre Sauvignon Moelleux 2015
    Grape: Sauvignon
    Region: Valais, Switzerland

Next tasting – Friday 10th December

In December we welcome Duncan Murray of Duncan Murray Wines, Market Harborough for our festive Christmas tasting.

For more information:
Web: duncanmurraywines.co.uk
Email: info@duncanmurraywines.co.uk
Tel: 01858 464935
Facebook: Duncan Murray Wines
Twitter: @DMURRAYWINES

Please note:

  • The number of attendees will be restricted, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. 
  • New members are welcome on payment of the £15 annual subscription in advance of the tasting along with the tasting fee.
  • There will be no supper nor supper wines provided. Members are welcome to bring their own food and implements and all items brought must be removed.
  • Members are expected to have been fully vaccinated, please consider whether you should attend if this is not the case.
  • Members must not attend if they are experiencing COVID symptoms
  • The meeting room will have increased ventilation via opened doors and windows
  • Members are asked to wear face masks when not seated unless exempt
  • Surfaces will be sanitised before entry. Members are asked to use the hand sanitizer provided on entry
  • Members are asked to avoid crowding on check-in and on exit
  • Spittoons will not be provided, please bring an empty plastic bottle if you need one

Note that this is a “Members Only” which must be paid for in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members to simply turn up on the night.

What we tasted in November 2021

In November we welcomed Leon Stolarski of Leon Stolarski Wines to St James the Greater for a tasting of wines from Southern France. We had a fascinating tour of a selection of Leon’s wines which made for a great evening.

For more information:
Address: 32 Nottingham Road, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7QE
Tel: (+)44 (0)115 9529387    
Email: sales@leonstolarskiwines.co.uk
Web: leonstolarskiwines.co.uk

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Domaine de Montesquiou l’Estela 2019 Jurançon Sec
  2. Domaine Fortuné Éole 2019 Languedoc
  3. Domaine Piétri-Géraud Blanc l’Écume 2020 Collioure
  4. Terre des Chardons Chardon Masqué 2020 Costières de Nîmes
  5. Domaine Fortuné Jadis 2017 Languedoc Sommières
  6. Mas Coutelou l’Oublié 2018 Edition Vin de France
  7. Domaine de Ravanès Les Gravières de Taurou 2014 Coteaux de Murviel
  8. Domaine de Montesquiou Vendanges Tardives 2017 Jurançon