Yearly Archives: 2009


The Berry Bros & Rudd 2008 en primeur tasting last week in London threw up as many questions as it answered. For example… 1) Why were the 2008s better than the 2007s at some estates whereas at nearby properties the opposite was true? 2) Why were the 2008s more expensive […]

Bordeaux gets sensible


Although Austrian wine has been a favourite of restaurateurs, sommeliers and critics for several years, it’s still seen by many as a bit of a novelty. Bully then to Marylebone Indian restaurant Trishna for putting Austria firmly in the driving seat on its new wine list.  Trishna’s General Manager Leopold […]

New Austro-Indian Alliance at Trishna


Since the good folk at William Reed haven’t managed to get their act together yet, here are the top trophies from the awards at last nights IWC dinner: Merchants of the Year Agent  – Seckford Direct – Berry Bros & Rudd Environmental Initiative – M&S Corporate Social Responsibility – Cooperative […]

International Wine Challenge Trophies 2009



In case you didn’t know, National Chocolate Week (12th – 18th October) will soon be upon us. If you can’t wait until then, Gaucho Restaurants are holding a masterclass on September 8th in which Kirsty Joly of chocolatiers Perfectly Tempered will present a bevy of Argentina-themed chocolates aided by Jessica […]

Malbec and Chocolate Tasting – can you have too much ...


The ever entertaining Willie Lebus has been complaining this morning about wine competitions and the folly of a tasting line up that had a ‘… sumptuous Mornington P Pinot Noir followed by a Savigny 04’. He goes on, ‘5 minutes later all the gamey charm started to dribble out of […]

Tasting Competitions – Cred or Crud?


I’ve been on holiday in the Vendée this last week, leaving serious tasting behind in the UK. But earlier this year, I tasted through a range of Chilean Syrahs (mostly from the northern valleys of Elqui and Limarí) for a piece I was doing for Decanter – here are the […]

First Taste August 2009 Week 4