Very impressed by this 2011 Douro red from Churchill. It’s not expensive, but it offers a real taste of the region, combining ripeness with definition. It’s stocked by Majestic and…
A lovely Jura red from Michel Gahier
Michel Gahier is one of the top insider tips in the Jura. He has just 6.5 hectares of vines, and works very naturally in both the vineyard and the cellar….
Some nice wines at cricket
So yesterday was the first Wine Trade XI cricket match against the Gents of Essex at Coggeshall, Essex. It was a good day out, with perfect weather. We got hit…
What do I really think? Some unfiltered opinions on the world of wine
I am not short on opinions. However, as I get older, I have learned that some opinions are best kept unspoken. I am also a kind person at heart who…
Yealands Estate Pinot Gris, a convincing aromatic from New Zealand
Back in January I visited the mind-boggling Yealands Estate, a vineyard the size of an entire appellation in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. They’re making some nice wines, including this very Alsatian…
Chandon Brut, serious fizz from Argentina
Chandon have just launched their Argentine sparkling wines in the UK. They are really impressive, made in a rich but balanced style. Retail price is around £16, which is expensive…
Framingham’s F-Series TBA, one of the world’s great Rieslings
I had a lot of fun at yesterday’s Great Riesling tasting in London. There were so many good wines. But of all, perhaps my favourite (of many lovely wines) was…
Clos Roche Blanche Cuvee Pif 2011
This is a really drinkable, fresh Loire red with plenty of personality, but also real harmony. It’s a blend of Cot (Malbec) and Cabernet Franc, named after the owners’ (Catherine…
Four lovely wines – Weinbach, Zidarich, Puzelat and Valli
On my first night in Canada a group of friends gathered to share some nice wines. I think they deserve a write-up, although – as usual – notes and scores…