Yesterday I visited Laithwaites’ large wine shop in Vinopolis, near London Bridge station. I tasted a selection of the range and then had lunch with buying director Justin Howard-Sneyd (above) and buyer Becca Reeves. I’ve been a Laithwaites sceptic in the past, but I from the conversations we had and the wines we tried, I think that Laithwaites is on its way to becoming a proper wine merchant, and not just a direct mail specialist. You can read the full interview here, as well as see my notes on the stand-out wines. One that really impressed was this Douro red, from Jorge Borges at Quinta do Passadouro.

Passa Pequena 2008 Douro, Portugal
Made by Jorge Borges at Quinta do Passadouro. Fresh, supple and bright with cherry fruit backed up by a savoury, mineral edge and some subtle herbiness. Simple and fruity but with Douro typicity and a hint of seriousness: I really like this wine, and it’s great value for money. 89/100 (£8.49 Laithwaites)