Buckland Manor - The Cotswold Wine Experience!

Last night we held a wine dinner at Buckland Manor. It would be hard to find a more idyllic spot than the small hollow at the foot of the Cotswold Escarpment where Buckland is located. The gardens looked splendid and we were able to enjoy a glass of Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Francois Billion (en Magnum) on the terrace (great elegance and finesse, allied to serious length). The wines with dinner showed very well and the line-up and tasting comments are as below;

2006 Bourgogne Blanc, Cuvee des Forgets, Patrick Javillier Aromas of wet stone and white fruits, beautifully elegant on the palate with lovely weight, balance and great length. Superb with the crab starter, a great marriage.

2005 Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu River Showing beautiful maturity, rich and refined with such Burgundian poise. Very good with the Turbot which was with a lobster ragout.

2005 Vieux Chateau Gaubert Graves Blanc Weighty with creamy citrus fruit and good intensity. Still very young and surprisingly fresh.

2003 Argilus du Roi, AC St Estephe, Bordeaux Showing beautifully, a cracking 2003 showing none of the prune like characteristics one often finds with this vintage and still with plenty of life left in it. In fact, this wine got better and better the longer it remained in the glass. Impressive.

2003 Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico, Fontodi Very, very fine and a testament to the dedication that this property puts into their wines, especially in such a difficult vintage. Amazing bouquet, layer after layer of rich cassis fruit, amazing acidity coupled with soft tannins and a very long finish.

Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Rutherglen Muscat Sweet as ever, raisiny and so very moreish. Went well with the rich chocolate tart.

Charlie and I had great fun presenting the wines, the dishes and wine combinations worked well and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time. We look forward to the next event at Buckland on 5th November which will be an evening featuring the wines of Penley Estate from Coonawarra. Proprietor and winemaker Kym Tolley will be presenting the wines.