2014 has been a remarkable year. Here’s my year in review, in pictorial form.

The January tasting season began with the Burgundy 2012 tastings in London. This was a new discovery for me: the amazing white Burgundies of Arnaud Ente. As with any top Burgundies, the chances of (a) being able to afford them and (b) if yes, being able to get hold of some? Close to zero, I’m afraid.

2014 was also the year I got heavily into beer, and set up www.beeranorak.com with Daniel Primack. This was my first visit to the Rake in Borough Market in January.

February saw another trip to New Zealand. First of all, Central Otago, for the Pinot celebration. Totally epic. Write ups from visits and the event here.

At the celebration, I was sitting with Blair Walter and Nigel Greening of Felton Road. It was a good seat to have: we enjoyed some amazing wines!

From Central Otago to Waipara, for the Summer of Riesling. I just love Waipara: great people, great wines, and just a lovely feel to the place.

From Waipara to Marlborough, for some great visits. Here’s the Seresin crew.

And here’s Anna and Jason of Te Where Ra.

Back in the UK, and it was time for the New Douro 2011 tasting. The Douro’s best vintage in living memory? Here’s the main man, Mr Niepoort himself.

February also saw my first visit to Nyetimber. I’ve spent quite a bit of time on English fizz this year: it’s coming of age, and Nyetimber are right at the head of the pack.

Craft Beer rising: my first beer trade tasting. Here’s the excellent Thornbridge stand.

March saw me visit San Francisco to take part in an In Pursuit of Balance seminar.

Raj Parr introduces a panel at the SF IPOB event.

While I was in SF, I visited the super-amazing Toronado bar. One of the beer world’s great destinations. Here are Meg and Josh Thomas, with Ross Cobb centre. We had a remarkable afternoon.

Beer! Must have beer!

March was also the month for the Wines of Portugal annual trade tasting in London. So many great Portuguese wines out there, these days. I’ve focused a little less on Portugal in the last two years, something I’d love to redress in 2015.

A view I’ll never tire of. It’s Rodwell House, St James, Cape Town. I spend a week there each year judging the SA Top 100 Wines challenge.

Here’s the 2014 team. Such a good experience judging with this lot.

 

A flight of wines poured, including duplicates decanted 12 h in advance.

So we’re up to the end of March. More to follow…

 

 

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