Yearly Archives: 2009

For those who look out for Fairtrade wine, here are the results of the 3rd annual Fairtrade Wine Competition, which took place yesterday in London. 81 wines were entered and judged by a panel that included Masters of Wine Sarah Jane Evans, Tim Atkin, Susan McCraith and Jo Ahearne. Harpers […]

Fair Enough – Results of the 2009 Annual Fairtrade Wine ...

November 20, 2009 by Simon

OK, it’s already the 3rd Thursday of November in some parts of the world, so I don’t feel too guilty about opening this bottle of Nouveau from wine merchant/winemaker Chris Piper a few hours early – nice crunchy stuff it is too…

Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 est un peu early…

November 18, 2009 by Simon

News just announced that The Bunch has expanded from five merchants to six, with the existing quintet of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Yapp Brothers, Adnams, Corney & Barrow and Tanners being joined by Lea & Sandeman. Not much of a surprise really. Both Charles Lea & Patrick Sandeman are – […]

Bunch of Fives become Bunch of Sixes

November 18, 2009 by Simon

Never tried Georgian wine? Can’t say I’ve had much if it myself, but this week sees the launch of The Georgian Wine Society (www.georgianwinesociety.co.uk) – here’s how I got on with four of their wines… Teliani Valley Tsolikouri 2005 (£8.99) Slightly nutty/toasty edges, clean and fresh, a light floral perfume, […]

Georgia on my mind – four wines from The Georgian ...

November 17, 2009 by Simon

Château Pech-Redon ‘Les Cades’ Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape 2008, France (£7.99 The Real Wine Company) 30% Cinsault, 30% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre Sappy, white pepper, forest fruits like brambles and blackcurrants, lovely garrigue herbs, fresh and vibrant, some liquorice, super red, ripe yet refreshing, perfect sausage […]

Shiraz – a whistle-stop tour round three countries

November 13, 2009 by Simon

If you are surrounded by cake, what do you do? Open three sweet wines… Mont Tauch Muscat de Rivesaltes NV, France (£5.99 per half Morrisons) Plump juicy grape and barley sugar, a hint of rose petal, maybe a touch of heat from the fortification, but overall this is very friendly, […]

Muscat de Rivesaltes, Botrytis Riesling and Tokaj – sticky, stickier, ...

November 11, 2009 by Simon

Simon Woods

Drinking Outside The Box