Sweet Wine - Cream (Baker, Bruce and Clapton)

Having enjoyed a super day at Greenwich visiting the Museum, Observatory and Cutty Sark there was an even greater treat awaiting this evening as we arrived at the

The Antique Wine Company 

 

 to meet Friend, Founder and Managing Director

Stephen Williams.

 Having a mutual interest in Fine Wine, it wasn't surprising

that Andy and I were first drawn to this splendid array of

Chateau d'Yquem

 in varying size bottles.

Having flown himself over from his home close to Monte Carlo early morning and having been behind his desk ever since, he more than us was ready for a taste of something 'finer'! Directing us to his recently opened Wine Academy, Steven first invited us to taste a

 'white Burgundy' a

2009 Chassagne Montrachet

 followed by a 1995 'second growth' Bordeaux

Château Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville

 Both 'classic wines' were enjoyed while viewing the AWC empire.

Stephen holds the distinction for having realised the highest price, 

in the world, ever paid for a single bottle of wine.

A Vintage 1811 Chateau d'Yquem, sold for $117,000 (£75k)

 By now the 'dinner gong' had sounded as we took a taxi to

 the renowned

Arts Club Mayfair
photos from Wiki

The meal started with 'collective' Oysters and Courgette Fritters, after which I diverted for something I have been promising myself to both catch and eat for years, RAZORCLAMS all accompanied by a fine Argentinian Malbec. Andy then opted for the Lamb Cutlets while we 2 choose Duck, all were superb but the Duck eaters agreed that the Confit leg was of the very best. These were enjoyed along with a 2008 Michele Chiarlo 'Borolo'.

We completed the evening with a bottle of 2005 Chateau D'Agassac, Haut Medoc Superieur before 'decanting' to our relevant hotels.

This wasn't just a fine meal with great company, but a continuation of a long learning curve for me. I would like to thank both Stephen and Andy for making it such a memorable occasion.