In summary Paul Ferman provided a wonderful lunch with layers of taste types, colours and styles. It was pleasing to see good numbers and some members we have not seen for a while especially Peter Manners fully recovered from his City to Surf accident and keen to have his postponed lunch back on the schedule. James’s Hill and Healey assisted Paul with canapés and in the kitchen.

Canapés. Once again we were treated to three starters. Firstly, an Elizabeth David inspiration, the famed Spanish Oritz anchovies on a tapenade with (of course) Iggys bread. Just stunning anchovies. Then Paul’s homemade pork terrine with a seam of truffle and foie gras running through the centre served with Simon Johnson’s rhubarb chutney on bread rounds. To finish off a consommé of much reduced chicken stock, veal shoulder, truffle oil and vegetables. Much liked.

Aperitif wine. The main wine was a Domaine Chatelain Pouilly-Fume 2014. This appellation is basically 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Bright and crisp at 12% but a little too acidic if not enjoying a canapé at the time. It’s easy to be critical of ‘Savvy” but Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre can be exceptions. We also had the last of the Oceans 8 Chardonnay 2009 and it was a little flat and in need of drinking.

Main course.  Paul’s main of lamb shank was described as a cornucopia of colour and variety on the plate. Where to start? Served on a Neil Perry recipe of polenta of cornmeal and buckwheat with chicken stock it was accompanied by carrots, zucchini, cucumber and beetroot. Some comments indicated that their meat was slightly dry but others were full of praise for its juiciness, tenderness and flavour.

The wines.

• Anne Gros/Jean-Paul Tollot LA50/50 2012 (Languedoc) (cork, 14%)
• Clos de Gamot Cahors 2010 (cork, 12.5%)
• Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2007 (screwcap, 14%)
• The Yard Shiraz 2010 (Mount Franklin WA) (screwcap cork, 13.6%)

The first pairing was interesting in that they both had that drying Northern style. The 50/50 was predominately Grenache and attracted varying views. The Grenache was showing as a savoury overtone to the wine. The Cahors was surprisingly light in alcohol at 12.5%. Cahors was in the distant past referred to as ‘the black wine of Cahors’. At least 70% Malbec it was powerful but elegant with a good mouthfeel and long finish. It still needs time.

With the cheese the Vat 47 was brilliant. The early austerity is giving way to softness with peaches and other fruits evident. It has a good future. The Shiraz from Larry Cherubino in WA is a substantial wine but not without elegance. The oak needs time to soften.

Cheese and coffee. James Healey selected a Berry’s Creek Tarwin Blue from Gippsland. A cow’s milk cheese it was moist and not too crumbly. In fact, it was clinging to the knife in the way that makes you want to put the knife (not recommended) in your mouth. Comments from members had it in France and Australia.

Spencer Ferrier (in absentia) provided Costa Rica La Magnolia Estate. It was decaffeinated and the first such coffee for 2016. From Costa Rica it is shipped to Vancouver for processing. It has a sweet aroma and is full flavoured in the cup. It would take a very experienced palate to pick the decaff nature.

Paul Ferman generously provided two bottles of McWilliams Vintage Port 1966 which under screwcap was in stunning condition. An amazing Aussie fortified.

And thanks to member Tony Scott for donating to our Society the aperitif wine and the Cahors. Very generous.

Our Chair for the day (and the coming six weeks) was VP Peter Kelso who presented new member Peter Missingham with his member bow tie as part of his welcome to our Society.

A very good lunch. If you know members who do not know what they are missing out on with our lunches, please give them a call.