This was another Prowein discovery. It’s from biodynamic Vacqueras producer Le Sang des Cailloux. This is the domaine’s traditional cuvee and it alternates over a three-year cycle with the names of each of the daughters of proprietor Serge Férigoule: Floureto, Doucinello and Azalaïs. I was so impressed I have just bought some: it has a
On raw tasting ability: is there a Messi of wine tasting?
As a Manchester City fan, it was a little uncomfortable watching last night’s game against Barcelona. The Catalans were much the better team, and had it not been for the heroics of Joe Hart, the City goalkeeper, the scoreline could have been a lot worse than the 1-0 it ended up as. Lionel Messi, one of a scary Barcelona front three, was just
Some highlights from the Tesco press tasting today
Today was the Tesco press tasting, held at the Hospital Club in Endell Street. I headed there, fresh back from Cape Town this morning, after stopping off at home to greet the dogs (every time I travel they must wonder whether I will be c0ming back) and have a quick bath. Here are some wines that I liked, ranging from cheap to relatively expensive.
A fine wine braai at Klein Constantia with some great old wines
I’m in South Africa, judging the Top 100 competition. Last night we headed off to Klein Constantia, for a fine wine braai in the vineyards hosted by Hans Astrom (pictured below) and his team. It was a lovely evening with some great wines, including three old treats – one of which was the South Africa’s first decent Pinot Noir, made ill
Catching up with the new releases from Norman Hardie, Prince Edward County, Canada
I visited Norman Hardie in Prince Edward County in 2013, and was blown away by the wines he’s making. So it was great to be able to taste his latest releases at The Wine Society’s HQ in Stevenage yesterday, courtesy of buyer Sarah Knowles. I also tried a couple of the 2012s that they are currently listing. These are really intriguing,
Some highlights from the Wine Society
I headed down to Stevenage today for a tasting at The Wine Society. It was amazing: such good wines at really good prices. Here are a few wines that I’ll be buying. But there were just too many highlights for one post! Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Gracher Domprost Riesling Spatlese 2001 Mosel, Germany Lovely wine – rich and a bit toasty with l
In St James, Cape Town, judging wine
For the last few days I have been in St James, Cape Town, judging wine for the Top 100 South African Wines competition. It’s the fifth year of the competition, and many of our small judging team of seven have been here since the beginning. So it’s a nice family feeling. We’re led by uncle Tim Atkin, and then Richard Kershaw and
A nice fine wine dinner with Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire and South Africa
Last night we had a lovely dinner at Terroir, hosted by Keith Prothero. This is the restaurant on the Kleine Zalze estate, and the food was very good. The wine and the company were better though. In attendance Gary and Kathy Jordan, Rianie Strydom, Nicolette Waterford, Greg Sherwood and Keith and I. As usual, notes on most of the wines follow. Cot
Three lovely Rhône wines with dinner
Had a nice dinner last night with three lovely Rhône wines. I just love the Rhône. It’s inconsistent but can be so lovely. Domaine St Prefert Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2010 Southern Rhône, France Broad with nuts and spice and fine stone fruits. Lovely texture and mouthfeel with some spiciness under the pear and peach fruit. Stylish and quite