Past tastings

Opus One was established by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and vintner Robert Mondavi with a mission to create a single wine of uncompromising quality.  It is one of California’s most high profile wines, as well as one of its best, utilising a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in densely planted vineyards surrounding the state of the art winery in Napa Valley.  Please join us in tasting these wines that combine the founders’ Old and New World expertise in the creation of a blend that surpasses the sum of its parts.

Opus One tasting sheet

This event has a very limited number of places available and so will be a balloted event for members only. 

Tickets will be restricted to one per member.

The ballot will go live tonight Tuesday 19 February at 6pm. Members have until Thursday 21 February at 6pm to apply at which point the ballot will close. We will notify you on Thursday night if you have been allocated a ticket. You will have until Friday 22 February 10pm to pay for your ticket. You MUST pay for your ticket by this time in order to secure your spot. If you fail to pay for your ticket or your payment is not authorised by the deadline, your ticket will be released to the next person on the ballot.

Please note: successful applicants have been emailed and invoiced. If you did not receive an email confirming your place you will remain on the waiting list for any places that may become available.

The story of Kumeu River Wines and the Brajkovich family parallels that of the New Zealand wine industry.  The family is renown for producing world-class wine and the vineyard has grown to be recognised globally as the benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay – two of their Chardonnays having been named in the top 100 wines of the world by Wine Spectator.  

Join us in tasting Kumeu River’s wines, some of which are arguably the best in New Zealand!

Kumeu River tasting sheet

One of the leading estates in the Chianti Classico zone, Fattoria di Fèlsina is one of the great names in Tuscany.  The winery produces some of the finest age-worthy and complex Chiantis in all of Italy, with some of the best vintages in their top Reserva Chiantis approaching Brunello di Montalcino. Rather than producing ‘new age’ wines, they continue to grow solely Sangiovese instead of blending to an international style.

Come and taste these exquisite wines from Italy!

Château Giscours is one of the largest Margaux producers and holds 3ème Cru Classé status.  With a rich history dating back to the fourteenth century, they produce richly aromatic wines that represent all the traditional qualities of a great Margaux.  Also from Margaux, Château du Tertre can trace its history back to the twelfth century and holds Grand Cru Classé status, as well. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the commune, with wines reflecting the very soul of the terroir.  

Discover the wines from these neighbouring vineyards!

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The wine bar is on the Ground floor of the University Center which is by Scudamore punts near Queens’. The entrance to the University Center is close to the Doubletree Hilton hotel. maps.google.com

Wine list

• Pierre Bertrand Brut 1er Cru NV £27.99
• Jules Cotes de Provence Rosé 2017 £11.99
• Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough £17.99
• Ch. Rives-Blanques Cuvée Odyssee Chardonnay 2017 Limoux AOC £15.99
• Dom. des Soulanes Kaya Blanc 2016 Cotes Catalanes IGP £16.99
• Torres Celeste Crianza 2015 Ribera del Duero £15.99
• Primitivo di Manduria ‘Zolla’ 2017 Vigneti del Salento £16.99
• Amalaya Gran Corte Malbec 2016 £16.99
• Antech Emotion Cremant de Limoux Vintage Rosé 2016 £15.99
• Dom. Treloar Muscat de Rivesaltes 2013 Roussillon VDN, France 50cl £11.99
• Ch. Gravas 2012 Sauternes 75cl £22.99

To finish the term with a bang CUWS once again invites you to a drop-in tasting with Cambridge Wine Merchants at the University Centre wine bar on Sunday 2nd December, from 3 till 6pm.

We will open wines as we go along and there will be plenty to go around!

The wine bar is on the Ground floor of the University Centre which is by Scudamore’s punts near Queens’. The entrance to the University Centre is close to the Doubletree Hilton hotel. https://map.cam.ac.uk/University+Centre#52.201128,0.116362,18

Please note: there is a maximum capacity of 100 for the venue — if we reach capacity during the event, we will operate a one-in-one-out policy. This will prioritise those who have bought tickets in advance. We should still be able to sell tickets on the day, but if we are unable to due to these restrictions, we’ll announce it on our Facebook page and events page on our website.

Focused on producing premium wines that express the unique character of the Pangeon ecosystem, Ktima Biblia Chora has grown to an award-winning, modern organic winery since its inception in 1998.

They are located in the foothills of Mt Pangeon in Kokkinochori, Kavala in Northern Greece and currently specialise in two Greek varietals, Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko, and also grow international grapes, which combine in many of their wines to produce a perfect balance. Their highly regarded white Ovilos has become a sommelier’s favourite! Join us in tasting a range of wines from this Greek treasure!

Sitting on one of the finest, gently sloping gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Leognan appellation of Graves, Château de Fieuzal dates back as far as the first stirrings of winemaking in the region. The terroir allows them to produce wines that exemplify Bordeaux’s complex and delicate style of white wines. Their reds are equally stunning, striking a contrast between richness and freshness, capable of evolving remarkably over years.

Awarded the official status of Grand Cru Classé de Graves in 1959, the current owners of Fieuzal continue to preserve the best of its essential Graves character and Bordeaux tradition. Please come and meet talented winemaker, Stephen Carrier, and learn about his passionate pursuit of perfection with Fieuzal.

Nyetimber has a single aim: to make the finest English sparkling wine — to rival the best in the world, including champagne. The first producer of English sparkling wine to grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, the three celebrated grape varieties, Nyetimber is a true pioneer of their trade.

Since their beginning over 25 years ago, they have won a number of International medals, the admiration of the British Royal Family, and various Heads of State. Using only estate-grown grapes, Nyetimber is able to ensure that every decision from harvesting to blending results in the complexity and finesse for which they are renown.

Join us in welcoming this superb producer for a dinner that you won’t forget!

Dress code: Black tie

We will be showcasing the following wines with the five-course menu:

Menu

(food subject to alterations, vegetarian options to come):

– Nyetimber Classic Cuvee –

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– Nyetimber Blanc de Blanc 2010 –

Moule Mariniere with Crust Bread
(Mollusc, Celery, Milk, Sulphites, Wheat)

(V) Salt Baked Celeriac served in a Vegetable + Herb Butter Broth with Crusty Bread
(Celery, Milk, Wheat, Sulphites)

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– Nyetimber Tillington 2013 –

Corn-fed Chicken Terrine, Apple Sage Chutney + Red Cabbage
(Sulphites)

(V) Onion + Gruyere Custard and Glazed Pearl Onions, Apple Sage Chutney + Red Cabbage
(Milk, Egg, Sulphites)

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– Nyetimber 1086 Rosé –

Rose Slow Cooked Fillet of Milk Fed Veal served with Heritage Root Vegetables, Buttered Mash Potatoes + Veal Jus
(Milk, Celery, Sulphites)

(V) Slow Cooked Heritage Root Vegetables, Buttered Mash Potatoes, Beetroot Reduction + Lemon Salsify
(Milk, Celery, Sulphites)

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– Nyetimber Demi Sec –

Lemon Meringue Pie with Vanilla Crème Anglaise
(Milk, Egg, Wheat)

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Coffee, Infusions & Mints