There’s been a lot of talk about the biodynamic calendar in the wine trade. At wine tastings, it’s not unusual for tasters to start muttering that the wines aren’t showing…
Wines of the year (3) Portuguese highlights
I visited Portugal four times last year, and that probably wasn’t enough. It’s such a great country, and the wine scene has never been better. I will be back in…
Wines of the year (2) older vintages
So, continuing with my theme of wines of the year, I have gone through my notes and pulled out the highlights. This post is concentrating on older wines, pre-2000. I’m…
Champagne highlights from 2016, and a resolution for the New Year
It’s new year’s day! It’s normally the time for resolutions, but I’m struggling to think of any. This year I drank quite a bit of Champagne, but there’s room for…
Two lovely fizzy Italian reds
Fizzy red wines. Not mainstream, I know, but I quite liked these two examples from Italy. They’re being sold by a retailer new to the UK, Tannico. Paltrinieri Lambrusco di…
On pens and writing
I have decided to resurrect my ink pens, which have been a bit neglected of late. Instead, I’ve taken the easy option and used Uni-ball Eye Fine pens, which are…
Wines of the year (1) Instagram favourites
How do you decide which your favourite wines were from the year past? Difficult. One way is to let others decide. I have quite a few instagram followers, and it’s…
Hush Heath Estate Balfour Brut Rosé 2013
I was really impressed by this pink fizz from Hush Heath. It’s really elegant. Hush Heath Estate Balfour Brut 2013 Kent, England 2013 was a late harvest here: Pinot began…
Oh, the places you’ll go! 2016 in review
January: the year began in New Zealand, for a South Island Road trip, followed by the Sauvignon Blanc celebration. We started off in Central Otago, where it was unseasonably cold….