You may remember that purple pager Roger Jones of the Michelin-starred Harrow at Little Bedwyn kindly offered lunch for six in aid of Wine Relief earlier this year.
The winning bid came from John Parr of Cheltenham and the lunch itself took place on Friday when John, two of his dentist colleagues and I enjoyed the following stunning meal on a beautiful late summer’s day in the country. (Roger very kindly offered to allow John to redeem the outstanding meals another time.)
Steak Tartare, Foie Gras Toffee
Jasper Hill, Georgia’s Paddock Riesling 1998
Cured Wild Scottish Salmon, Wasabi & Cucumber Sorbet
Moss Wood 1999 Semillon
Isle of Scilly Lobster, Caramelised Pork
Christian Barossa Chenin Blanc, Rusden 2004
Foie Gras, Scallop & Black Pudding
Viognier by Farr 2001
Carpaccio of Venison, Truffles and Japanese Mushrooms
Merricks Creek Close Planted Pinot Noir 2004
Tasting of Welsh Mountain Lamb
Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
Roast Breast of Grouse, Parsnip and Date Puree
Kay Amery Block 6 2004 & Amon-Ra 2002
Berkswell Blue Cheese
Hobbs Single Vineyard Grenache 2003
Rhubarb & Cream
Cullen Robinsons Retreat Riesling 2000
Asian Rice Pudding, Cardamom Ice Cream
Tamar Botrytis Riesling 2005
Coffee & Chocolates
Krug 1996
Before lunch we all took part in a very illuminating tasting of some of Australia’s finest Chardonnays on which I will be reporting in detail soon. Highlights on the plate for me included that toffee foie gras which owed much to a savagely reduced Alvear PX 1927, the lobster and the crisp yet fatty roundel of lamb. Other highlights were both Moss Wood wines, the Viognier that was still in great shape, the Tamar Ridge, the Krug and the sleep on the train home.
Thank you, John, Roger and especially Roger’s wife Sue who served us such a complicated meal with impeccable efficiency, warmth, knowledge and a dazzling array of Riedel decanters.
