Lunch at the BFI today, on the south bank of the Thames, near Waterloo. The Benugo restaurant is actually pretty good, and I had a very well presented starter of…
IWC, the final day
So, tasting has finished at the world’s biggest and best blind tasting wine competition. Day 9 of judging at the International Wine Challenge was, from the perspective of table 9 at…
Pago de Los Capellanes Reserva 2007, and day 8 of the IWC
Back to the home of cricket for day 8 of the International Wine Challenge. It was another wet, cold day, but I had another good table, and although we worked…
Days 6 and 7 of the IWC
I am officially tired. The last two days of the International Wine Challenge have been fun, but hard work. It takes a lot of concentration to judge wines well, and…
Vineyards have a talent
I remember a discussion with Ernie Loosen in the Mosel, Germany. He said that each of his vineyards had specific talents. Rather than try to make a full range of…
Day 5 of the IWC, and some comments on faults
The first week of the International Wine Challenge has ended. A great week, and the new venue, Lord’s, has been great. OK, the lunches aren’t quite as good as the…
Day 4 at the International Wine Challenge
Another good day at the Challenge. After two big days (of 160 and 140 wines), our panel today worked at a slightly slower pace, taking more time to decide over…
Sad news about David Booth
Very sad to learn today about the death of David Booth. A British expat, he turned to wine after a successful army career, and became a well known viticultural consultant…
Day 3 of the IWC
Very tired tonight. Another big day at the International Wine Challenge, with plenty of wines passing our table (number 9, again), and a good number going through to next week,…