Given the climate of the Western Cape, South African Sauvignon Blanc shouldn’t be up to much. But the proof is in the wines, which are frequently very good. This is…
Summer’s almost over
It’s the last day of what has been a rather miserable August here in the UK. But it’s going out in some style, with a perfect sunny day finishing the…
Beer: Greene King Very Special IPA
This is quite a nice beer. It’s Greene King’s attempt at replicating the famous India Pale Ales of the 18th century, and while I imagine it’s more polished and pretty…
Alsace season 5: Rieffel Pinot Blanc 2008
Of all the Alsace varieties, Pinot Blanc is the one that gets forgotten most easily, I reckon. It’s underrated. Good Pinot Blanc is lovely. This is a nice one, from…
Recently on the main wineanorak site
Quite a few additions to the main wineanorak site lately. Here are some that blog readers may have missed: Mullineux Family Wines: an exciting new producer from South Africa’s Swartland…
A 2007 Bordeaux that I like, and on offer, too
UK supermarket Waitrose are doing a French Wine Showcase over the next month, with 25% off a range of French wines. The emphasis is on good value stuff, and there…
Domaine of the Bee: a new high-end Roussillon wine
A couple of years ago, Justin Howard-Sneyd, who was then in charge of wine at UK supermarket Waitrose, told me he had bought a small vineyard in the Roussillon, as…
Brewster’s Hophead – brilliant beer
Just back from a quick lunchtime pint at my local Wetherspoons, over the road. Now I’m not discussing whether Wetherspoon is a good or bad chain of pubs, all I…
The 2007 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier
I’ve just written up a remarkable vertical tasting of Clonakilla’s Shiraz Viognier, one of Australia’s best and most consistent red wines. Of the 12 vintages tasted, my joint favourite was…