There’s something to be said for buying a few bottles of the same wine, then cellaring them, and revisiting them at intervals. It’s tremendously rewarding if the wine ages well. This…
Three amazing natural wines from Mas Coutelou
These are lovely, lovely wines. I followed them over the course of a few days, so I’m fairly confident in my recommendations, too. They are made by Jeff Coutelou, in…
Rhone 2011, a pretty good vintage
It has been a busy day. I was leading a team at the Sommelier Wine Awards in Vauxhall until 3.20 pm, and then I hot footed it along the…
A superb, inexpensive Ventoux
Continuing in my theme of brilliant wines under £10, here’s a Ventoux that I was seduced by. It’s one of those wines that manages to hold the sweet fruit and…
Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2010
Met with Michael Hill-Smith today at the shiny new Liberty Wine offices in Clapham, to taste the latest releases of Shaw & Smith. For me, this is one of Australia’s…
Three New Zealand Syrahs from the Gimblett Gravels
There isn’t a lot of Syrah in New Zealand. But it’s a grape that does very well here, when it is grown. I’ve had great examples from Waiheke Island, Martinborough,…
Lunch at 28-50 – a dream restaurant for a wine lover
Had lunch with wine trade buddy Daniel Primack (of www.aroundwine.co.uk) at the brilliant 28-50 in Marylebone today (www.2850.co.uk/marylebone). I’ve visited the other 28-50 in Fetter Lane a couple of times, and…
Two great wines with dinner: Zidarich Malvasia and Jamsheed Garden Gully Syrah
Had Ryan Mostert and Samantha Suddons over for dinner on Thursday night. They are a young couple working at one of South Africa’s most exciting wineries, Reyneke, and so we…
A brilliant, affordable Languedoc Syrah
Love this wine. Affordable but with some complexity. Fun yet a bit serious. Chunky but not inelegant. Ripe yet savoury. A perfect house red for autumn/winter. Domaine Coudoulet Syrah 2011…