So, today was fun. It was the Manchester derby. Some explanation is needed. In the English Premier League, this is one of the biggest of all derby games (when two…
Press trip dynamics, and Tuckman’s model
I’m on another press trip. This time, it’s to Champagne. One of the most interesting things about press trips is the group dynamics, especially when you are travelling with people…
Exploring a limited creative space: black and white and wine
I have recently been playing around with black and white photography. Although I would never claim to be a serious photographer, I enjoy taking pictures, and I love images that…
On bias, dogma and fashion in the wine world
It’s very easy to lose perspective. In wine as in life. And none of us are totally immune to fashions, to trends, and the latest movements. And if we get…
Writing a new book: time to do some research
This week I had a new book commissioned. It’s one I have wanted to write for a while. Entitled ‘I taste red’, it explores the interesting topic of the flavour…
On going back, and beginnings and endings
Yesterday I went back to the building that I’d worked in for 15 years. It was for the Gonzalez Byass tasting, which was held at 41 Portland Place, an 18th…
Some lovely affordable bottles from the Co-operative
Tasted at the Co-op press tasting on Tuesday. Some nice affordable wines, and one slightly pricier bottle. Trapiche Pure Malbec 2014 Uco valley, Mendoza, Argentina 14% alcohol. This unoaked Malbec…
On reading
If you are relatively smart, then the world can be an unhappy place, particularly during the teenage years. Smart people stick out. Many people are suspicious of smartness, if indeed…
Consistency is desirable, but at what cost?
I had a conversation with a beer brewer recently. I asked him whether size was an advantage in brewing, in that having lots of shiny new kit might help you…