Bingley members put their palates to the test with a fascinating evening of discovery, debate and surprises.

On a chilly autumn evening, our little group gathered once again at Tetley Place for Honor’s blind tasting: Old World vs New World. True to form, Honor made us work for our supper. We had to identify the grape variety, decide whether each wine was Old World or New World, name the country and region, estimate the price, and note aromas and flavours before choosing a favourite, the most expensive wine, the most surprising wine, and finally our overall preference for Old World or New World wines. The wines were all selected from Wright’s Wines of Skipton.

Needless to say, we all found it difficult, some more than others, and it did not help matters when we paused halfway through for a keema curry and sides. However, one of our youngest members was declared the winner, closely followed by one of our oldest members, so we really could not blame our ageing palates!

When it came to choosing a favourite wine, there was no clear winner and almost everyone chose a different bottle. The wine receiving the most votes was the fifth wine, Château Cissac Haut-Médoc Bordeaux 2016. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it was full-bodied, with flavours of ripe plum, blackberry and cherry, supported by well-integrated tannins.

As for Old World versus New World, although one or two people favoured the Old World wines, most agreed that it was simply too close to call. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a wide range of wines available to us in this country.

Happy tasting!