We wine journos are in the middle of press tasting season at the moment, with all the major supermarkets showing off their ranges. Buying standards for UK supermarkets are very…
Fine wines with lunch, old-school wine trade style
These wines were recently tasted at a rather fine lunch at La Trompette, which is a great restaurant. It went on a long time, as you can imagine. I’m always…
Pre- and post-run wines from last weekend at Pichon
Last Friday night I stayed at Château Pichon in Pauillac, in preparation for the long run the next day. I was intending to drink very little, but in the end…
The Marathon du Médoc
So I ran the Marathon du Médoc yesterday for the second year. it was the 30th anniversary of the race, so even more than usual there was a party atmosphere….
The incomparable Yquem 1986
This was the star wine in a star line-up at Tuesday’s lunch. Just thrillingly good. Chateau d’Yquem 1986 Sauternes, Bordeaux, France Powerful, spicy and intense with lovely flavours of marmalade,…
Two 1996 Bordeaux wines: right and left
Had a splendid afternoon with extended family today. Brother-in-law Beavington was kind enough to open two clarets (three bottles, we got through two of the VCC) from the 1996 vintage….
Three top Bordeaux wines from 2009: Pichon Lalande, Las Cases and Pontet Canet
At the Tesco press tasting on Friday we were presented with three rather smart Bordeaux wines from the 2009 vintage. They’re available from Tesco’s online operation, and they were (I…
A remarkable fine wine dinner at Majeka House
Tuesday evening was special. Keith Prothero invited Greg Sherwood and I to join him, Nicolette Waterford, Sam Suddons and Ryan Mostert at Majeka House restaurant in Stellenbosch for a special…
Some amazing fine wines at The Sampler
Each Christmas The Sampler puts some rather special wines on its sampling machines, and this year is no exception. I popped into the South Kensington shop to try them; Islington…