A poignant lunch

A year ago we lost to melanoma one of wine group. Richard was taken too soon, but we felt a memorial lunch would have his blessing.

At Simpsons in Edgbaston, a one star Michelin. A light lunch on the hottest day of the year. We paid corkage and bought some bottles.

Simple Moet to start, people get a bit snooty about Moet, but this was fresh and delightful with a good biscuit nose.

Y'Quem 1983 with pan seared Fois Gras, colour was a bit of a worry, light orange, confirmed on the nose, a bit of oxidation, but super on palate with softness and acidity, very long We queried its provenance.

Pichon Lalande 1982, I had rack of Cornish lamb. Starting to age, seemed browner than a year ago, ethereal old wardrobe nose, spice and pencils. Soft entry and very long.....BUT.. we all agreed that it is starting to go over. Excellent cellaring, so if any of you have some, check it out.

La Tour Canet, 1999, a cheaper claret off the list, fresh and vibrant, spice and blackcurrants, good balance for a young wine. Perfect luncheon claret.