Ten wines - 5 from each of the old and new worlds - were cunningly disguised in plain wrappers. Disconcertingly two ports or port style wines were included. Comprehensive tasting notes were thoughtfully provided for all ten plus a couple of others not on test. Some of the descriptions and names, contestants were advised, may bave been fictitious. The challenge was to match the wines with the descriptions. Easy, you might think. Not so. There was a great deal of convivial chatting to offer distraction from the job in hand and the organizer had thoughtfully provided nibbles to help soak up any potential harmful efects of the alcohol. Some had suficient salt or spice content to dull even the most discriminating palatte.
When the results were announced at the end of the evening it emerged that the Architects' team was triumphant with a Past Master Architect and a Guest/ colleague of the Master Architect identifying the most correct matches.
Then followed a drink off featuring a mystery wine. Sadly neither succeeded in identifying its parentage though both managed to notice that it was both sweet and white. The tie breaker came down to as guess about the age of the wine. This produced the winner and the Runner Up and there were two mentions in despatches - one going to the Master Architect, the other, to a member of the Constructors' team.
The winner and friends A Past Master hazards a guess about age
On the question as to whether the Old or New World wines were preferred or better, no decisions were reached. There may need to be a further challenge.
It's tough work but someone has to do it!
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