I enjoyed this: it’s the first time I’ve had a Portuguese Chenin Blanc. Now Portugal is blessed with a wide array of its own varieties, so you might ask why…
A really good, affordable Bordeaux – amazing value
I’d just come back from a long run, and was tucking into some lunch. Fiona suggested setting me a blind tasting challenge. This is dangerous. In the blind tasting challenge,…
Hoffmann & Rathbone, a new English Sparkling wine
Impressed by this new English sparkling wine from Hoffmann & Rathbone. Mine was bottle 84 of just 1500! It’s predominantly Pinot Noir with a bit of barrel-fermented Chardonnay, and it’s…
Differences in taste and smell, and their effect on wine tasting
We’re all different. So it’s not surprising that we should have different tastes. Still, I’m fascinated by differences in flavour perception and appreciation. The really interesting question is how different…
Harry Haddon’s new video blogging, live from South Africa
Impressed by this. It’s Harry Haddon’s first video blog. I’ve met and drunk with him a few times in South Africa, and I reckon he’s a great new voice. This…
Four impressive Loire Sauvignons
Yesterday I tasted through 33 different Loire Sauvignons with a view to selecting 14 to present at Vinexpo next week. These had all won gold or above in competitions, so…
The Flower and the Bee, a wonderful Treixadura from Ribeiro
I love this wine. it’s beautifully packaged, and its contents are great, too. From the northwest of Spain, and specifically the Ribeiro appellation, it’s a varietal Treixadura (in neighbouring Vinho…
The privileged place of wine
Of all alcoholic drinks, wine occupies a privileged place. I guess this links in with my post a few days ago, titled ‘what is wine?‘ Wine has a long history…
Shobbrook Giallo, a remarkable Sauvignon from Australia
This is an unbelievably good wine. I love it. It’s Tom Shobbrook’s Giallo. A Sauvignon Blanc, but made naturally, with some skin contact. And fabulously packaged, too. ‘The Sauvignon is…