After two weeks of non-stop work (a bit like having a real job – not sure I can cope with that!), today was a chance to relax. Blue skies (just…
The IWC ends, and a chance to enter the inner circle
Today was the last day of the International Wine Challenge (IWC), and today I was admitted to the inner circle: I was asked to fill in as a co-chair for…
Closures for fine wines
Just finished my next Gros Lees column for The World of Fine Wine. It’s on the subject of wine bottle closures, but this time I’m focusing solely on fine wine….
Bordeaux 2009 at the home of cricket
After the IWC today, I headed over to Lord’s for a Bordeaux tasting put on by Bibendum Wine. I love the way Bibendum treat their private customers like adults: for…
St Peter’s Organic Ale
Back to the International Wine Challenge today. This week we are judging the wines that passed from last, awarding them medals, and in a few cases demoting some. Had another…
Natural wines: what are they, exactly?
Spent a good portion of today at the Real Wine tasting convened by UK importer (of mainly natural wines) Les Caves de Pyrene. Rarely have I spent a day tasting…
Photos from Napa
Just posted my pictures from California’s Napa Valley on the photo section of wineanorak.com. It’s a beautiful place in autumn when the sun is out. I’ve just finished an article…
Should wine blogs be just about wine? Is personal stuff appropriate?
One of the questions that I ask myself about blogging is whether or not to include personal information here, or just to stick to wine. I think a bit of…
Verus Pinot Gris, Slovenia
Very impressed by the Verus wines from Slovenia. They’re deliciously fresh, aromatic and pure, as well as being beautifully packaged. They are commercially astute and well priced to boot. Here’s…