Today was one of the most eagerly awaited tastings in the calendar (for me, at least) – the 50 Great Portuguese Wines tasting. Each year, a journalist is chosen to…
Champagne Veuve Clicquot NV
Had this last night, and really enjoyed it. I’m slightly nervous about posting this because most winewriters like to bash the big Champagne houses such as Moet and VC. But…
What wine writers buy: four great cheap wines
OK, I can only speak for myself. Despite being deluged in samples (which is great, by the way – so useful to be able to try wines at home, and…
Away for the weekend
It’s brother-in-law Cliff’s 50th birthday weekend. Very decently, he has come over from Geneva with his family and hired a large house in the Cotswalds, so it’s time for a…
Fonseca 1970, Delamain 1914, Vin de Constance 1988 and other treats
Had a very enjoyable dinner last night at the offices of Mentzendorff, a major high-end UK agency house. It was more fun than work, but I took some notes on the…
Video: Tio Pepe Fino En Rama
Here’s a short film of me tasting the new (2011) release of Gonzalez Byass’ Tio Pepe Fino En Rama. It’s a sherry taken from the cask in spring when the…
Video: seven things you should know about terroir in wine
Here’s a film where I ramble on interminably about terroir. Well, actually, it’s my seven key points on this most wonderful of concepts in wine. I hope that you find…
Bespoke Bros Heathcote Syrah – Australian elegance
This wine is the result of a collaboration between wine journalist Nick Stock and Gilles Lapalus of Sutton Grange winery. Some things to note: (1) it’s simply labelled; (2) it’s…
Dorilli, a new wine from Sicilian producer Planeta
This is an interesting new wine from Sicilian producer Planeta, who I visited a while back. It’s a posh version of their Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which is a deliciously fresh…