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…
Some highlights from the Asda press tasting
So yesterday was the Asda press wine tasting, held on the top floor of the Royal Festival Hall, with great views of London’s Southbank. The main range is good, but…
How to be a (good) professional drinker
If I were a winery owner about to appoint a winemaker, I’d be curious: what sort of wines do they have in their cellar? What sort of wines do they…
In Canada, Monday evening with some diverse wines
After a full day of tasting, and the fabulous helicopter ride, it was time for beer. So Bill Zacharkiw and John Szabo, my partners in crime (PICs), ended up in…