Between conversation and several rounds of canapés I told myself, as always, to remember the nose and the palate of each wine for my diary. Seated at a well laid table surrounded by friends, we waited eagerly for the first wine to be served. As the aesthetically presented Honey and Balsamic Cured Duck Breast Meslun graced the table, we sipped a Casuarina Creek Chardonnay 2008. A mellow , light amber wine which complemented the salad with ease.

When my Wild Mushroom Cappucino arrived I dipped into it with some apprehension. This is one of my favourite soups and most places ruin it. I was pleasantly surprised because it was just the way it should have been although a dash of truffle oil would have made it better. The Casuarina Traminer 2008 was a trifle sweet but the lady next to me was very excited about it. To each her own,I smiled to myself.

My short spell of discontent was soon dispelled by the dramatic main courses. I especially enjoyed the Lobster Agnolotti infused with Cognac Bisque. For a change,the vegetarians were also smiling at their Vegetable Strudel served with Parmesan Sauce. In fact I noticed several diehard carnivores ordering the vegetarian options too.
Pictured, Nalini Lal and Jyoti Sood at the table

The Olcaviana Vegapasion 2008 a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet needed more time but steered the evening towards some very interesting bantering and camaraderie. The Olcaviana 2008, a nice Merlot, arrived soon after. It was more robust and smooth on the palate and excellent with the Porcini Crusted Lamb Loin. The Tiramisu in cordial proximity to the Blueberry Ricotta Cheesecake made a nice ending.

The Spanish wines served at The Wine Society Dinner on 22 July 2011 at The Crowne Plaza, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi, were courtesy A S Wadhwa, CEO of Natures Bounty (an Amit Burman Company).