What a lunch. After numbers in the 30s we attracted some 48 members to the lunch. Denis Redfern assisted by Dennis Cooper did it proud by presenting us a classic Raymond Blanc main of lamb Provençal as served at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxford.

Canapés. Two canapes were served. Firstly, home pickled (four days) herring served on a sliver of lettuce on a round of black bread. Secondly an avocado dip seasoned with the usual plus shallots and lemon all served in pastry cups. Both much enjoyed judging by the empty platters.

Aperitif wine. Whilst the healthy numbers meant a number of odd bottles were served, the main starter was the Warramate Riesling 2011 from the Yarra. It was an off-dry style with enough acid to make it balanced. At its peak it was a style to which some were indifferent.

Main course. Whilst not having eaten at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons this was exclaimed as a faithful rendition of the original. The lamb had been heavily trimmed of fat before being well encased in Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic etc. It came to table beautifully pink served with classic ratatouille made from the usual suspects. As a throwback to our younger days the dish was accompanied by garlic bread. And guess what, it was much liked.

The wines.

• Vinden Estate Basket Press Shiraz 2010 (screwcap, 13.5%)
• Chateau d’Aydie Madiran 2009 (cork, 14%)
• Timo Mayer Granite Pinot Noir 2012 (Yarra) 2013 (cork, 13%)
• Soumah Chardonnay 2013 (Yarra) (screwcap, 12.7%)

The Vinden is a younger drinking Hunter style Shiraz. Some spicy character with a softness that made it a workman like drinkable style. The Madiran from the Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées region is predominately Tannat a hearty black grape. Whilst more time is required for it to reach its peak it was surprisingly approachable. This was a donation to the Society once again by Tony Scott. Again, the wine education element is an important function of our lunches.

The wonders of white wine with cheese were on show once again. However, firstly the Timo Mayer red. The label is new to many of us and comes from a tiny vineyard in the upper Yarra. It had a typical lighter bodied Pinot style with a touch of sweetness balanced by tannins. Good stuff. The Soumah Chardonnay was much appreciated as an excellent match to the cheese.

Cheese and coffee. Another favourite today with Buche d’Affinios from the Rhone-Alpes. Wonderfully ripe (a real pain to slice) it is a reminder of the high quality cheese Society members enjoy.

Coffee was a prestigious affair with Spencer introducing Rob Forsyth of Forsyth Coffee and Federico Halsband the MD of a Costa Rican importer. Rob supplies the large majority of our coffee through his store in Naremburn. He has done that for over 35 years and is a committee member and judge at the World Barista Championship. Federico gave a presentation about the coffee from Coast Rica and the unfair market conditions in this 100% Arabica bean country.

And of course we had coffee from Costa Rica. Two in fact, a Centro Americano and a Santa Cruz. There was marked difference in the cup for those who tried both.

A wonderfully attended lunch with quality in spades in all areas.