1. Alegria Manzanilla –

a fine example of the fresh and slightly salty style, bone-dry and very refreshing and a lovely aperitif, terrific value at £9.50 (Wine Society)

2. Tio Pepe “En Rama” Fino –

unlike the Manzanilla, the Fino wines do not benefit from ageing in the seaside humidity of Sanlucar and tend to be more oxidised and darker, as was the case here. Also bone-dry but less subtle than the Manzanilla, aromatic and intense on the palate. £16.50 (Wine Society)
Don Zoilo Dry Amontillado – a somewhat rare example of a properly dry Amontillado, fortified to 19% abv. Rich and mellow on the palate with wonderful orange peel, nutty and dried fruit notes on the nose. Despite the “sweetish” nose, the wine is bone-dry and delightfully light-bodied. Good value at £17.00 (Wine Society)

3. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee NV –

Chardonnay-dominated and quite light and fresh on the palate, not a lot of character though. £30.81 (Wine Society and several others)

4. P Louis Martin Champagne NV –

in contrast to the Nyetimber, this is a Pinot Noir-dominated grower champagne, darker and substantially richer. Unlike the previous wine, completely dry. £34.81 (Wine Society)

5. Wine Society’s Exhibition 2018 Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs –

once again a lighter style, very refreshing with lovely brioche on the nose and delightful citrus touches. Preferred on the night and really excellent value from this top winery. £28.81 (Wine Society)

6. Pierre Gerbais Champagne NV –

an interesting contrast with the Ridgeview, complex on the nose and rich on the palate with deep fruitiness and an almost Burgundian character from the base wine. Really interesting example of a terroir-driven grower champagne and, against the Ridgeview, a testament to the range of white fizz that is possible. £33.81 (Wine Society)

7. Bleasdale Langhorne Creek Sparkling Shiraz –

for a fun comparison, this offering is typical of the Aussie “BBQ” style, not to be taken too seriously. Personally not sure about whether this really works and mixed opinions on the night, good with chocolate brownie though! £12.76 (Wine Society)