Fellow Wine Lovers,
The writing was on the wall, it’s been a long time coming, still that doesn’t remove the element of surprise does it? Here we are at the end of May, and despite wanting to stay in place and get on with getting on, there is no longer any support for the position. Time to move on we cry, and have put in place a very convoluted selection progress to select the successor.
We have had 11 applications for the position; we’ve also had to listen to all of their arguments. Between you and me, some of the arguments are very similar, and some are ridiculously far-fetched. Nonetheless, we have written all their names on a piece of paper that we like to call a ballot.
The ballot paper has been circulated amongst all of the interested parties with the two most popular to go up in front of a very secretive committee. When the committee has decided the winner, our chum Malcolm who sits outside JJ Spoon in Tooting will light his clay pipe, and puff white smoke before declaring the winner.
Elsewhere, if proof were needed that you should resolutely ignore our sporting tips, the Giro d’Italia’s pink jersey now looks like it’s for Richard Carapaz to lose, unless Vincenzo Nibali can “do a Froome” on Saturday’s mahoosive day in the Dolomites. Our suggestion of Simon Yates looks unlikely to win, currently being 7 minutes off the pace. It’s been a brutal race and they all look a little tired if I’m honest.
The Cricket World Cup started yesterday at The Oval with England scoring first blood, defeating the South Africans by 104 runs, look out for Ben Stokes catch if you haven’t seen it. Today sees the West Indies and Pakistan putting willow to leather at Trent Bridge.
In other news Trumpolina is coming to visit next week. The Queen is super excited to be having him and his entire family round to Buck House for dinner. Can’t wait to hear how fabulous he is at building walls and where he is suddenly going to find all those rare earth minerals for next generation technology. She’s even got the builders in so he can’t stop over for breakfast!
Now I don’t know about you, but I saw him on TV yesterday and his hair looks yellower than ever. It has that weird fluorescence yellow colour that a glass of Red Bull has. Maybe he’s colouring it with Red Bull for a bit of extra lift?
Ooh hold on, we’ve just seen white smoke from Malcolm’s clay pipe…. June is to succeed May, as soon as tomorrow!
As it’s English Wine Week I thought I’d mention our two English Sparklers, we can offer them at 16.66% off 6 bottles. (That’s 6 for the price of 5 to you at the back)
HAMBLEDON CLASSIC CUVÉE ROSÉ – £40
Only released in November 2016 this blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir from Hampshire is truly delicious. Rich strawberry notes wonderfully offset by some tart cranberry character. Creamy texture and a clean crisp finish with some nice yeasty complexity too – really good!
Also it’s rather appropriate as it’s where the rules for the game of cricket as we know it were drawn up in the 18th century.
HERBERT HALL BRUT – £32.99
Handmade using organically grown grapes in Kent. A crisp, fruit laden nose and a palate woven with finesse and elegance. Hints of biscuitiness in the mid-palate are evidence of the length of time the wine sat on its lees. A really well managed dash of acidity on the finish keeps the fruit and creaminess nicely balanced.
Cheese & Wine Tasting – Thursday 18th July at 8pm Still a few places for our last one before the autumn. As usual £20 saves your seat at the table.
Wine School – The next course is on Wednesday evenings (with a break between week 3 & 4 for half term) as follows:
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 |
| 02/10/19 | 09/10/19 | 16/10/19 | 30/10/19 | 06/11/19 | 13/11/19 |
To book, call either Alex or Wayne on 020 8944 5224.
As usual £150 per person and payment reserves your place.
Tasting This Weekend
As I mentioned it’s English Wine Week this week, so we shall populate the white corner with New Hall Vineyard Bacchus 2018 – £14.49. A cracking, summery white with a lively elderflower character from some of the oldest Bacchus vines in the country, grown in an area originally planted by Romans’, not far from Chelmsford.
In the red corner, we’ll be aiming for some barbecuing given the weather I think, and what could be better with some barbecued lamb than a Rioja. We’ll go with Palacio Del Camino Real Crianza 2016 (£10.99) which we like with a butterflied leg, or else some koftes.
That’s it from us, drop in for a taste of Essex’s finest and have a great weekend!