Italy and 10 years of 'offlines'

A busy sort of day. First, the 'definitive' Italian wine tasting at Lord's. I've been taking quite an interest in Italian wines of late, so this was of real interest to me. The problem with Italy is that it has many gems, but they're kind of hidden in a sea of dross. Few countries can boast the sort of vinous diversity Italy posesses, but then few countries would make such a hash of this fantastic diversity if they had it. I shall persevere and continue to learn.

I started off with the Italian portfolio of Les Caves de Pyrene, which is superb. I also spent time with Winetraders, Altissimo, Genesis Wines, Liberty and HS. There were some really impressive wines.

After the tasting there was a reception in the Member's Pavillion, and after lengthy and difficult negotiations Tina Coady had persuaded Lord's to relax their dress code by a degree, such that jacket and tie wasn't obligatory for gentlemen. I wasn't able to stay long, but I took the chance to enter this hallowed area, taking a couple of pictures of the fantastic view that the MCC members enjoy from the roof terrace (above).

Then I was off to the City, for an internet wine geek dinner at Alba. Six of us gathered, a decade after the first UK internet wine geek offline was held (at Gilbeys in Ealing). At the inaugural event ten years ago the guests included Robin Garr (from the USA), Tom Cannavan, Nick Alabaster, Simon Goldberg and myself. Tonight, Nick Alabaster and I drank a toast to that summer evening long ago, and were joined by Theresa Regli-Iverson, Rahsaan Maxwell, David Plattner and Victor Randall. We were all known to each other through internet discussions and previous offlines, and it was a jolly night, with the conversation straying from wine to all manner of diverse topics.

The wines? Quite memorable. Poll Roger Winston Churchill 1990, Clos St Hune 2000, Hans Wirsching Riesling Schofer Julius Echer Berg 2006 Franken, Ogier C-R 998, Clusel Roch C-R 2001, Sorrel Hermitage La Greal 1995, Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 1990 and Svepsy Madi Szoleszet Danczka Dulo Tokaji Aszuessencia 1993. It was a fun gathering, ending a little prematurely because of the rather poor transport options London offers much beyond 11.30 pm.