After researching famous wine makers and chefs with birthdays on 17 May there was a blank. So Greg Sproule was our Chef of the Day and celebrity of the day.

Canapés. Greg simplified the day with some prosciutto on both crackers and rounds of baguette.

Aperitif wine. A wonderful start with Tyrrells Vat 4 Semillon 2003. Whilst it was under cork there was little bottle variation reported. The quality was high to very good being reflected in the colour.

Main course. Our CoTD served a barely rare lamb neck dish with Tuscan spinach and grilled eggplant accompanied by chimichurri type green sauce. The meat received a mixed reception with many suggesting lamb shoulder and commenting on it tough texture. However, the rich flavour was acknowledged. The recipe was chicory based but as it was not in season the spicy flavour came from radicchio. The green sauce was based on spinach, anchovy, capers, pine nuts, lemon and a touch of red chilli to keep us attentive.

The wines. Paul served a range of richer reds.

$1·         Taylors Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Clare)

$1·         Tiefenbrunner Lagrein 2011 (Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto-Adige, Italy)

$1·         Tatachilla Partners McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2001

$1·         Taturry Mosselini Shiraz 2013 (Mornington)

The reds were richer styles to match the lamb. The Lagrein attracted some criticism but was a very northern Italian wine which was incredibly soft and of a fuller style. A first for many members. Great with food. The McLaren Vale red was still drinking well but at its best and fading.

Cheese and coffee. James Healey provided a Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue fromage. A beautiful cheese of quality to match the world’s best. Much loved. A quick hands-up quiz by James left many on the sidelines when the Gippsland buffalo origin was revealed. It was served with a mix of almonds, pomegranate and dates. Lovely.

Coffee from Spencer Ferrier was a Kenya Wanjengi - Muranga AA blend. No one picked it! A very fruity coffee.