Annual André Simon 'Seven' Dinner

In September, the Victoria Branch held its first Andre Simon "Seven" dinner. Andre Simon refers to the founder of IWFS.  "Seven" refers to the idea that the IWFS vintage chart uses '7' as its top rating for particular wine styles in specific areas.  We decided that at this particular dinner we would choose to serve only those wines from vintages with a '7' rating.

At this year's dinner, we also decided to offer a special tribute to Sir Noel Power, former Chair of APZ and founder of the Hong Kong Branch as well as the Gold Coast branch in Australia.  With the folding of the Gold Coast branch after the passing of Sir Noel in late 2009, several members from that branch elected to join the Victoria branch.  It appeared especially fitting therefore to give a tribute to Sir Noel at this event.  Tributes to Sir Noel were given by our special guest, Ian Cochran (Treasurer of APZ), longstanding member and friend Ray Foley, and Lois Butt, who assisted in managing the Victoria Branch for some 25 years.  There was a great deal of warmth in the room - almost everyone knew of Sir Noel in one capacity or another.  He was larger than life and touched so many people as a friend, a colleague and as an inspiration in the culinary arts.  Ian Cochran reminded us that perhaps even more than wine, Sir Noel's great passion was fine food.

Our dinner venue was fitting for the occasion, held in the very beautiful Gallery Room at the Australian Club amidst a private exhibition of the artworks of esteemed artist Albert Tucker.  Many helped to organise the event, previous chair Geoff and Lois Butt, vice-president Charles Harper, and members Ian Westcott and Chris Snook.  To fit with the 'Seven' theme, we chose Grand Cru examples of Champagne from 1996 (donated by Michael Troy), a bracket of White Burgundy from 2002 and a bracket of Red Burgundy from 1999.  We also stayed closer to home with some 1998 Barossa (donated by George Tippett) and Yarra Valley wines. For dessert, a Sauternes from the delightful 2001 vintage seemed very appropriate (donated by Chris Snook).

The 1996 Paul Bara Comtesse Marie de France Champagne, from the Grand Cru village of Bouzy, was a delicious way to start.  From 100% Pinot Noir, this Champagne is now drinking about as perfectly as it could possibly drink.  As pretty as it is, it may be a hard task for 2002 to attain the same level of richness and splendour of the 1996 vintage in Champagne. A bracket of2002 Grand Cru White Burgundies from Girardin had us a little nervous, wondering if we would be lucky enough to escape the possibility of oxidation and bottle variation. The Chevalier Montrachet showed a small hint, but the Batard was in great shape.  For many, the Corton even better.

A pair of 1999 Clos de la Roche Red Burgundies from Pierre Amiot and Herve Arlaud was a lovely match with the duck. However, the Arlaud seemed to have aged better - we have probably seen better examples of the Amiot before - indicative of a winemaker who produces wines in a lighter style.  Congratulations to our newest member, winemaker Adam Foster, who spoke so eloquently on this bracket.

While delicious, neither of the Australian wines from 1998 had reached its peak.  Both showed some serious upside potential, though some thought it was a little odd to match an elegant Victorian Cabernet with a larger than life Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz.  The Yerringberg was probably a better match with the sirloin; the Penfolds 389 is especially keen for more time.

The 2001 Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes provided a very elegant way to finish, matching well with a Mille Fuille with almond, peach and apple - perfect accompaniments for Sauternes.

Please view the menu here.