Our President Keith Steele was our Chef of the Day for the June wine luncheon assisted on canapes by Gary Patterson. Below is a photo of them in full flight. A fully booked lunch made for a day of great food and wine overseen by our Winemaster Paul Ferman.

As a side line to the main event the President presented the Chef of the Year Runner-Up Award to James Hill. The award was a high end knife to enable James to cook one of his numerous lunches for the Society in 2016.

Canape. We were served two canapes. Firstly pan cooked chicken (hand minced by Keith apparently) and ginger balls accompanied by a chutney sauce. Then came fish cakes comprising smoked rainbow trout, potato and dried herbs lightly covered in breadcrumbs and lightly fried. Both enjoyed with the latter being somewhat of a challenge to remove from the plate in one piece.

Aperitif wine. Paul presented us with aged Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillons from 1991, 1994 and 1997. Whilst the latter was the predominate vintage it was interesting to taste the three vintages. Not everyone had all three and not surprisingly there were poor examples given the 20 year plus age and the cork factor. A worthwhile experience. It raised the question of the results of such a tasting in 10 years when we will have all the Vat 1s under screwcap. Will they develop as well but remove the bottle variation?

Main course. It was a cold, dark and stormy day…. Keith rose the occasion with an appropriate main of lamb forequarter shanks with a sumptuous sauce on potato mash accompanied by beautifully cooked crispy beans. The shanks were initially treated to a spicy rub (a Steele special) and slow cooked. The spicy vegetable sauce included carrots, chickpeas and tomatoes. Very much suited to the day and empty plates were dominant when returned for the kitchen.

The wines.

As a last minute bonus to the wine lunch Ray Healey provided two 2014 Burgundies which we saw at the Burgundy tasting last month in their barrel sample form. Ray now provided the two bottles with pre-bottling treatment.

$1·         Christian Clerget Chambolle-Musigny 2014

$1·         Georges Lignier Chambolle-Musigny 2014

$1·         Prunotto Barolo 2008

$1·         Charles Melton Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

$1·         Houghton Gladstones Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

$1·         Huntington Special Reserve Mudgee Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

$1·         Penfolds Bin 389 2002

The 2014 Burgundies, though decanted, were a little closed but had power with a mouth puckering finish. They both need time of course. Many of those present had little experience with young Burgundy and Ray gave an informative oversight of the wines.

The 2008 Barolo had a somewhat darker rusty tinge in line with expectations and also had already begun to soften. Most enjoyed the savoury character so rare in Australian wines.

The three Cabernets drew differing views. The Melton was surprisingly elegant for a Barossa whilst the Houghton wine was more full bodied and fruity. The Melton was possibly drinking at its peak with the Houghton Gladstones (a high end wine many had not seen before) needing some years to develop in full. The Huntington reportable had some bottle variation but was a medium bodied style and not without elegance and subtly. Three good wines with preference very much personal.

Finally the Bin 389 2002. A member’s favourite it was in wonderful condition just showing what the old Aussie Cabernet Shiraz blend can provide. Blackcurrant, chocolate and sweet fruit and in fine form.

Cheese and coffee. James Healey presented the chef’s favourite, Onetik Ossau Iraty a semi-hard sheep’s milk fromage from the Basque region of France. It is also a favourite of many members with its beautiful supple texture and nutty flavour.

Coffee by Ferrier Spencer via Forsyth Coffee was a Peruvian Andes Santa Martha Estate. It was commented on well and was aromatic, strong and sweet.