I was presented with these two wines blind by my brother-in-law Beavington. It was a fascinating challenge: both were clearly serious expressions of Chardonnay (we share an appreciation for great…
Burgundy 2012, second part, questions of style
So today I went to the Goedhuis Burgundy en primeur tasting. It was excellent: lots of really good producers, and a lovely setting in the Philip Mould Gallery in Dover…
Burgundy 2012, first impressions
So, I went to my first tasting of the year. It was also my first taste of the 2012 vintage in Burgundy. The tasting was one of the big ones,…
Some amazing fine wines at The Sampler
Each Christmas The Sampler puts some rather special wines on its sampling machines, and this year is no exception. I popped into the South Kensington shop to try them; Islington…
A quick comparative Pinot Noir tasting (and drinking)
So tonight, I have four Pinot Noirs open. A chance to do some comparative tasting. I love Pinot Noir. It’s such a great grape variety. So, for me, this is…
Lunch with Pol, Cloudy, Lapierre, Jamet, Clair and Bachelet
Popped round for lunch at brother-in-law Beavington’s pad yesterday, which usually means that between us we’ll have something decent to drink. (In the process, I also very nobly assist him…
The fabulous Dow 1963 plus other special wines
Simon Staples of Berry Bros & Rudd is a top bloke. He treated a few of us to a lovely dinner in the boardroom after Thursday night’s screening of red…
Lunch at 28-50 with Philippe Pacalet
Great lunch today. It was at the new 28-50 in Maddox Street, with Philippe Pacalet, who I have met a couple of times before. Also present were Philippe’s wife, Monica,…
An incredible wine lunch at Chez Bruce
Had a remarkable lunch yesterday. It was hosted by Keith Prothero with guest of honour Bertus Basson, star South African restaurateur (Overture at Hidden Valley). It was held at Chez…