In April’s edition of Chef Tony’s Wine Club, our resident chef, gastronome and purveyor of fine wines casts his expert eye over two bottles from a wine club. As the months progress, Chef Tony will continue to bring you his pick of wines from supermarkets, independent retailers and wine clubs.
Chef Tony says: These wines show how you can benefit from being a member of The Wine Society.
Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc, Springfield Estate 2016 (£9.95)
Vines planted on extremely rocky ground (mainly quartz) give this wine its name. They produce a greenish coloured, highly concentrated wine with a flinty, mineral undertone. There are also hints of grapefruit. It is fantastic with seafood, asparagus or enjoyed on its own.
Château Ferran, Pessac-Léognan 2010 (£17)
There’s plum and strawberry here with chewy tannins. With an excellent nose and length typical of a Merlot-based claret, it’s not for long ageing and is drinking superbly now. Decant this wine before drinking to release its full potential. 
Chef Tony’s verdict: Being a member of a wine club means you let them take the risks and source great wines on your behalf. Having said that, I don’t really regard The Wine Society as a club, it’s more than that. For a one-off fee of £40 you become the owner of one share of the society, then they choose wine and offer tasting session and tours. I’ve been a member since 2004 and have enjoyed numerous bottles of great wine from them. They also offer a great ‘uncork with confidence’ guarantee.
Main image by Chris Payne
Chef Tony is a gastronome with 17 years’ of experience cooking across the North West. Chef Tony has worked in some of the region’s best kitchens, including the award-winning Nutters in Rochdale and The Lowry at Salford Quays.
