Yearly Archives: 2009

That most erudite of wine scribes Andrew Jefford has been spending this year in Australia as what amounts to wine writer in residence at the University of Adelaide, while he researches a book on Australian terroir. Today he delivered a lecture at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide for the […]

Andrew Jefford’s thoughts on the Australian Wine Industry

November 10, 2009 by Simon

It’s a struggle to find sensibly priced Californian wines in the UK – here are three that deserve closer attention… Castle Rock Central Coast Pinot Noir 2008, California (£13.99 Adnams Cellar & Kitchen) Soft spice, gentle ripe raspberry red cherry, a hint of Mivvi lollies (vanilla and strawberry if you […]

Castle Rock Winery – Californian wines that won’t break the ...

November 10, 2009 by Simon

Just tried two Nottage Hill wines in a new packaging format called Freshcase. To be honest, I’m not quite sure what the fuss is all about. Wine casks have been around for a long time, and I don’t know many people who’ve had problems opening them after the first couple. […]

Freshcase Packaging – Boxing Clever

November 5, 2009 by Simon

A waltz through five Chardonn-ish wines From Wine Vids Domaine du Tariquet Côté Chardonnay/Sauvignon 2008, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne, France Quite tangy and smoky, with peachy, almost Mâcon-like Chardonnay characters sitting nicely with the crispness of Sauvignon. B+ Domaine du Tariquet Chenin/Chardonnay 2008, Vin de Pays des […]

Five Chardonnays – perfect for a chilly damp November day…

November 4, 2009 by Simon

When you have a shoe and a wall, who needs a Screwpull? Reminds me of an episode from my youth when I was almost in a band called the Nonskills. I say ‘almost’ because there were too many guitarists. (Which reminds me of the old gag, How many guitarists does […]