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The next tasting - a note from our Chairman

  • Jan 29, 2022

NZ and OZ – New World Crackers!

Tony Wellings of Peterborough, ‘The Antipodean Sommelier’.


Members may remember Tony’s excellent tasting at Grand Union in May 2017.This time he will start with a New World Fizz, quote: ‘Amazing – as good as any vintageChampagne for me’. We will then taste a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from a winery we were introduced to last time – Two Rivers. ‘The big story of the 2021 vintage has been the low yields and very good quality’.

Almost all of the following wines are new to his Portfolio and all are new to Grand Union.The remaining whites are a ‘new wave’ funky Chardonnay and a Fiano, Adelaide Hills andMclaren Vale, from one of Aussie’s youngest winemakers, Charlie O’Brien. With spring not far away, he has added Dave Clouston’s Isle of Beauty Rose the top sellingNZ premium Rose – ‘Mediterranean style meets NZ Fruit’. A brand new Pinot Noir will follow – from ‘Neck of the Woods’ Bendigo, Central Otago (made by Jen Parr who makes highly rated Valli wines).

Two fuller-bodied Reds will complete the line-up. Both come from Mclaren Vale (a single-vineyard Grenache and, in keeping with the semi-Italian/Aussie theme, a beautiful Montepulciano).

Tony is happy to take orders after the tasting and will offer members of the Society a special discount of 20% on the night. It is another great evening to look forward to. John Malpass

Next tasting - Friday 11th February

  • Jan 23, 2022

In February we welcome Tony Wellings of The Antipodean Sommellier, presenting a range of wines from their New Zealand and Australia portfolio.


For more information:

Email: sales@taswines.co.ukTel: 01733 238 942


Please note:

  • The tasting will only be held if allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.

  • The number of attendees will be restricted, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. 

  • New members are welcome on payment of the £15 annual subscription in advance of the tasting along with the tasting fee.

  • There will be no supper nor supper wines provided. Members are welcome to bring their own food and implements and all items brought must be removed.

  • Members are expected to have been fully vaccinated, please consider whether you should attend if this is not the case.

  • Members must not attend if they are experiencing COVID symptoms

  • The meeting room will have increased ventilation via opened doors and windows

  • Members are asked to wear face masks when not seated unless exempt

  • Surfaces will be sanitised before entry. Members are asked to use the hand sanitizer provided on entry

  • Members are asked to avoid crowding on check-in and on exit

  • Spittoons will not be provided, please bring an empty plastic bottle if you need one


Note that this is a “Members Only” which must be paid for in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members to simply turn up on the night.

What we tasted in January 2022

  • Jan 23, 2022

In January we presented an interesting range of new wines from the Mentzendorff portfolio, and we thank Iain Phillips for his assistance in arranging the wines. We thank Robert McKinley, John Freeland & John Malpass for presenting the wines. 


For more information:


The following wines were tasted:

  1. Hambledon Classic Cuvee NV, English Sparkling Wine

  2. Geno Branco, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2020

  3. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Branco DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019

  4. Cartuxa Colheita Branco 2016, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019

  5. Geno Tinto, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2019

  6. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2018

  7. Cartuxa Colheita Reserva Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2016

  8. Chateau La Fleur de Board, Lalande de Pomerol 2011



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