Jim's Loire: 24.4.15: CWW AGM @New Zealand House on Sauvignon Blanc Day

A welcome glass of No1 at the end of formal business

Toasting the end of formal business

Yesterday The Circle of Wine Writers held their 55th AGM in the offices of the New Zealand Winegrowers. The AGM was followed by a tasting of 140 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs at the top of New Zealand House, which has stunning views over London.

The Circle's 55th AGM saw Rosemary George MW taking over as our President as Steven Spurrier is stepping down at the end of his term of office. Bob Campbell MW was elected as our first Vice-President based outside the UK. His fellow Vice-President is Oz Clarke, also elected yesterday. Seven committee members were elected: Kathy Burk, Michael Edwards (re-elected), Keith Grainger, Colin Hampden-White, Caroline Henry, Helena Nicklin and Liz Sagues.

Following the formal business Rosemary George MW gave a presentation on the current state of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Bob Campbell MW was originally due to give this talk but around a month ago he injured his Achilles Tendon in the gym, so was unable to travel from New Zealand. Quite what ferocious exercise Bob was undertaking that caused this unfortunate injury is unclear. We are very grateful to Rosemary for taking over. Before Rosemary gave her presentation we were served a glass of No1 New Zealand sparkling wine.

Then we repaired to the top floor for the tasting of the 140 New Zealand Sauvignons going back to the 2007 vintage. Roger Jones, the very talented owner and chef at The Harrow, Little Bedwyn and CWW member, prepared delicious canapés to try matching with selected Sauvignon Blancs.

My thanks to NZ Winegrowers for allowing us to use their premises for our AGM.