Post CWW Committee BYO@Lahore

Ernie Loosen's Dr L 2013 Riesling: 

opened the evening at the Lahore 

In case you thought that being on the Circle of Wine Writers Committee is all work and no play, here is a report on our agenda post-yesterday's-meeting from late-afternoon into the evening.

After the committee meeting held at the Institute of Masters of Wine, which started at 2pm and was fuelled by nothing stronger than water, six of us repaired to the nearby Iberica Marylebone, Five of us opted for a reviving glass of sherry, while one of our number went for a glass of Cava – Raventós i Blanc L’hereu Reserva Brut 2011. Initially we opted for a bottle of the Fino Una Palma (£40) – more expensive than the also listed Tio Pepe (£34) but worth trying something we didn't know. However when the bottle arrived we discovered that it was only a 50cl, making it substantially more than Tio Pepe which was 75cl, so TP it was and a nicely fresh bottle.

It would be helpful if Iberica listed their bottle sizes. They do list the size of wines by the glass but not bottles.  

Around 6.15 it was time for three of us (bit like an Agatha Christie novel without the deaths!) to head eastwards to the Commercial Road and The Lahore Kebab House. Iberica Marylebone is ideally placed being a short step from Great Portland Street tube station and the Metropolitan Line to Barking. Getting off at Algate East we made our way down the Commercial Road past a number of wholesale hat shops displaying a wealth of hats and signs warning –  'no retail'  and 'minimum purchase' £100 plus VAT. 

The Lahore Kebab House, 2 Umberston Street, London E1 1PY 

Dr Loosen's door bell@Bernkastel 

We started on the 2013 Dr L brought by Lindsay, while we waited for the two sparkling wines – Michael's kind offering – to chill down. With its touch of sweetness and crisp acidity Ernie's 2013 Riesling made this a good transition from the Tio Pepe as we cracked and nibbled our papadums, while waiting for Kathy, our fourth commitee member to arrive.         

2004 Cuvée Josephine from Joseph Perrier 

Just in case anyone thinks I weakened and tasted a banned substance – a Champagne – please be assured that instead I had a fine glass of the single vineyard Masottina Contrada Granda (see below). 

2011 Gewurztraminer Turckheim, Domaine Zind Humbrecht

As you expect from Zind Humbrecht the 2011 Gewurztraminer was rich and delicious that worked well with the butter chicken.

2009 Cabernet Franc, AC Touraine, Château du Petit Thouars 

The combination of Loire fruit and acidity makes Cabernet Franc a good bet with food at the Lahore – worked for me particularly well with the Methi Gosht.  

1992 Coteaux de l'Aubance, Vin Noble, 

Domaine de Bablut (50cl)

Eschewing any desserts we turned instead to the 1992 Coteaux de l'Aubance, Vin Noble, Domaine de Bablut. 1992 is not a great vintage. Coming after the very severe frost of 1991 it was a big generous vintage. Although attractive to drink and we finished the bottle, the nose – typical bruised apple Chenin (Lindsay) was more interesting than the palate that was sweet but without much complexity or rich texture. Very interesting to taste but rather confirmed my preconceptions about how this 1992 might taste. Having said that it was a good effort for the vintage.