Yearly Archives: 2010

…isn’t it ironic. Isn’t it ironic that I got an award for this site last week yet haven’t managed to post much in the last month or so. The truth is life is currently (and pleasantly) rather frantic. I have lots of video material that just needs that couple of […]

As Alanis said…. (oh, and some stuff about underpants)

September 22, 2010 by Simon

Can’t quite describe how chuffed to bits I am after this evening’s events in the Gherkin. It’s been the Roederers – the Champagne Louis Roederer International Wine Writer’s Awards to give them their full name – and much fizz was consumed by all attendees. The 2004 Cristal was looking especially […]

Drinking Outside The Box wins a Roederer Award

September 13, 2010 by Simon

Quinta do Pinto Vinhas do Lasso 2004, Alenquer, Portugal (N/A in UK) Old fashioned, rusty/horsey aromas, and no improvement in flavour. Some vague plum and strawberry but overall, dried out and charmless. 0 Quinta do Pinto Tinta Miúda 2003, Alenquer, Portugal (N/A in UK) An improvement, with some dusty plum […]

Four reds from Alenquer (Portugal) and Georgia

August 23, 2010 by Simon

Crossroads Merlot 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£11.50 Mentzendorff) Ripe, but with some leafy freshness to its bright blackcurrant & berry flavours and tinges of chocolatey oak, OK, but just a bit simple & fruity. B- Crossroads Talisman 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£19 Mentzendorff) More of that chocolate wafer […]

Argentine Malbec, New Zealand Merlot, Australian Cabernet & more

August 17, 2010 by Simon

Kuentz-Bas Riesling Tradition 2008, Alsace, France (£9.50 The Wine Society) Clean and fresh, yet quite full, lots of green apple and citrus tang plus an undercurrent of spicy minerality, full but dry finish. S- Crossroads Medway Vineyard Riesling 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand (£9.50 Mentzendorff) Just too simple, with lemon & […]

Riesling from Alsace, Australia & New Zealand

August 16, 2010 by Simon

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Margaret River, Australia (£15.99-£18.99 Domaine Direct, Fortnum & Mason, Highbury Vintners, House of Menzies, Luvians Bottle Shop, Uncorked, Winedirect) Quite light in body but full of flavour – smoky, nutty tinned pear, like Bordeaux Sauvignon, plus tangy, flinty Loire-like gooseberry character. Crisp but luscious, […]

Sauvignon Blanc from Australia, New Zealand & South Africa

August 13, 2010 by Simon