WINES FOR THE IN BETWEEN TIMES — AND STORIES YOU’LL NEVER HEAR ANYWHERE ELSE
A seasonal tasting shaped by Corney & Barrow’s autumn‑leaning wines and James Long’s unforgettable humour
Our October event offered a balanced journey through Corney & Barrow wines perfectly suited to the gentle shift from late summer into autumn. The inimitable James Long was on fine form, blending assured familiarity with the wines and his trademark humour as he guided us through France, Spain, Italy and the USA.
The line‑up included a fine‑bubbled Méthode Traditionnelle sparkler, a pale and elegant Provence rosé, a lively coastal Albariño, a flinty Edna Valley Chardonnay, a modern Friuli Cabernet Franc and a rich Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru that led naturally into the evening’s gourmet buffet.
To accompany the wide range of dishes — from main course through dessert and cheese — James then poured two versatile wines: a bright Loire Pinot Noir and a crisp, expressive Jurançon Sec. The generous buffet, prepared by Lianne Godfrey of Castlegate House, was warmly received by members.
James’s humour and storytelling were, as ever, unforgettable — moving effortlessly from Cliff Richard to George Clooney, from face lifts and body repairs to the perils of wasting good wine on unappreciative dinner guests. It’s often said that you haven’t truly been to a wine tasting until you’ve been to a James Long tasting!
🍏 Corney & Barrow Sparkling Blanc de Blancs – Méthode Traditionnelle Extra Dry
World Blend · Méthode Traditionnelle · 11% · Colombard/Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay · RRP £14.50 · On the night £12.89
Fine bubbles, soft texture and fragrant orchard fruit, with a precise, refreshing mousse.
🌸 Corney & Barrow Provence Rosé – Château La Tour de l’Evêque 2025
France · Provence · AOC Côtes de Provence · 13% · Grenache/Cinsault/Mourvèdre/Rolle/Sémillon · RRP £16.25 · On the night £14.63
Pale, elegant and refined, showing creamy raspberry and nectarine fruit. Long, silky finish and beautifully balanced freshness.
🌊 Pazo la Maza Albariño – Adegas Galegas 2024
Spain · Galicia · DO Rías Baixas · 12% · 100% Albariño · RRP £16.75 · On the night £14.90
A lively, coastal Albariño with delicate orchard fruit, citrus lift and Atlantic freshness.
🪨 Fossil Point Chardonnay – Edna Valley 2023
USA · California · Central Coast · Edna Valley · 13.5% · 100% Chardonnay · RRP £19.50 · On the night £17.56
Flinty citrus and Asian pear on the nose. Juicy tangerine, ripe apple and subtle vanilla, with creamy texture balanced by lemony acidity.
🍃 Tunella Cabernet Franc – Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2024
Italy · Friuli Venezia Giulia · Colli Orientali DOC · 13.5% · 100% Cabernet Franc · RRP £15.76 · On the night £14.18
Ripe, juicy and herbaceous, lifted by fresh red fruit and savoury notes. Ponca marl soils add finesse and depth.
🍇 Château Barrail du Blanc – Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru 2022
France · Bordeaux · Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru · 14% · 70% Merlot/30% Cabernet Franc · RRP £24.55 · On the night £22.75
Opaque ruby with a profound, dark‑fruited nose. Rich yet fresh, sweetly structured and well balanced, with impressive length.
🌞 Yura Jurançon Sec – Plaimont 2023
France · Southwest · Jurançon Sec AOC · 60% Gros Manseng/40% Petit Manseng · RRP £14.95 · On the night £13.45
Crisp and expressive, showing citrus and stone‑fruit notes with vibrant acidity. Sunshine‑ready and refreshing.
🍒 Les Lys de Léon Pinot Noir – Loire Valley 2024
France · Loire · Central Vineyards · 13% · 100% Pinot Noir · RRP £13.96 · On the night £12.56
Fresh, supple and fruit‑driven, bursting with red cherry and gentle spice. Bright acidity keeps the palate lifted.
Availability Note
All wines are subject to availability from Corney & Barrow. Browse the current range at: https://www.corneyandbarrow.com/
MARGIN TASTING NOTES...
Looking Ahead…
Monday 2nd November 2026
The Woodman, Main Street, Bishopthorpe (YO23 2RB) 
6.30 pm – 10 pm
In the first‑floor dining room with stairlift access
As autumn settles in and the evenings draw closer, we return to The Woodman for an evening of fun, frivolity and full‑throttle entertainment as Mike Harrison makes his debut in the Call My Bluff hot seat hosting Call Mike’s Bluff!
Many will remember Mike’s Loire Valley tasting — Les Surprises de la Loire — where his eclectic selection, infectious enthusiasm and unforgettable improvised Loire Valley map created a night that was both informative and tremendous fun. With that same humour, energy and flair, Mike now steps into the Call My Bluff spotlight.
These evenings always generate a wonderful buzz, with everyone happily casting their wine‑knowledge inhibitions aside and embracing the spirit of tasting wines blind in a fun, interactive and wonderfully unserious way. Expect humorous clues, spontaneous ad‑libbing, and those distinctive performances from the readers who bring each description to life.
A brilliantly light‑hearted night where accuracy is optional and enjoyment is guaranteed.
The closing date for applications is Friday 23rd October 2026.
Members who have not yet received an invitation should contact Jason Valentine, Section Chair.
