I have been judging wines at Tranche 1 of the International Wine Challenge this week. The idea is, for the first time, to split judging into two sessions: the customary…
Lunch with Pol, Cloudy, Lapierre, Jamet, Clair and Bachelet
Popped round for lunch at brother-in-law Beavington’s pad yesterday, which usually means that between us we’ll have something decent to drink. (In the process, I also very nobly assist him…
Champagne Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru
Some more Champagne action. And another grower Champagne. Eric Rodez has 6.1 hectares of the second largest Grand Cru of all, Ambonnay. He uses 75% old oak for this particular…
Champagne Savart L’Accomplie
Love this. It’s from Champagne Savart, a small grower with 4 hectares of vines, in two communes: Ecueil and Villers-aux-Noeuds. These 4 hectares are made from 50 separate plots, all premier…
A great lunch with Clos des Goisses, Leoville Barton, Ducru Beaucaillou and others
Occasionally it is good to have a treat. So on Sunday, brother-in-law Beavington and I hatched a plan. He was sans famille, with my father staying. So why not invite…
At the cricket, with a spot of Champagne tasting on the way
Went to Trent Bridge today with some buddies to watch day 2 of the first Ashes test. For those unfamiliar with cricket, the Ashes is the hotly contested series between…
Champagne Thienot Cuvee Stanislas 2005
Champagne rocks. It’s annoying that it costs so much, sometimes, but the older I get the more I like it. Here’s a good one. Actually, more than just a good…
Video: a conversation with Richard Geoffroy of Dom Perignon, with the 2004 and 2003 rose
Yesterday afternoon I met with Richard Geoffroy, of Champagne Dom Perignon, to chat and taste the 2004 Dom Perignon and the not yet released 2003 Dom Perignon Rose. Richard was…
Champagne Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2002
Enjoyed this, a rich style of Champagne from Bruno Paillard. This was released later than most of its peers, after spending 10 years on the lees, and has a relatively low…