Fellow Wine Lovers,
So, quite a lot has happened since we last spoke.
As of Monday, we have a new Prime Minister, and Chancellor, and Foreign Secretary and etc etc etc which will lead to fun-packed summer, no doubt. It was nice to see that Sir Keir is actually a normal human being like us as he was spotted, pint in hand, at a Kentish Town boozer later on Monday afternoon with the look of a man happily unburdened. Rachel Reeves was there too, with a glass of white wine and a smile – who doesn’t love an impromptu Monday afternoon pub trip.
As of Sunday, we have new World Cup Winners with Spain eventually overwhelming Argentina. It wasn’t the most enjoyable game and it brought an end to quite a gruelling 39 days of football – not sure we can cope with a 64 team format if I’m honest. Thankfully our sporting summer is not over though as the Greatest Show on Earth aka The Commonwealth Games started in Glasgow yesterday with Bowls and Para-Bowls being the opening events, obviously.
As of Thursday, we have a hosepipe ban, so no pressure washing your paddling pools for a few weeks. You can still have a bath and use your washing machine 35 times a day though, so opportunities for over consumption are still available.
Nothing of note from Tuesday or Wednesday it would seem.
Many headlines have been made of Mr Burnham’s promise to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues announced for April next year. April next year is quite a distance away for many venues and no doubt some of them might not be around to benefit from the cuts but also, why do restaurants and cafes not get the same breaks? Seems a bit illogical and inexplicable to us but let’s not let logic get in the way of a good soundbite.
No matter what your opinion on global warming, there’s definitely something unusual going on with the climate in France. We heard yesterday that one of our producers, Domaine Lafage in Roussillon, have started picking their grapes already. Historically in Europe picking will start perhaps in late August but commonly September is considered the harvest month. A combination of generous rainfall early in the year replenished water reserves which was followed by an exceptional weather pattern, with consistently high temperatures throughout spring and summer and extreme heat recorded from May onwards. Given that weather pattern sounds not unlike what we have experienced here in the UK this year, it may be that the English winemakers also harvest early with high hopes for a top quality vintage.
We also read that in an alternate wine universe, 19 Crimes, the supermarket plonk producer has launched two new products, aimed at the TikTok generation we’re told. There is a red drink, which is a Shiraz & Cola blend and a white drink which is an unnamed white grape blended with lemon we learn. Thankfully, we both checked and can confirm that we are not members of the TikTok generation so won’t be needing to try these abominations!
Back in our universe, we’ve been looking at the calendar for the next few months with a view to scheduling some tastings in the shop. As a consequence, we can confirm that we will be hosting Wine & Cheese tastings on:
- Thursday 10th September – 7.30pm
- Thursday 15th October – 7.30pm
- Thursday 12th November – 7.30pm
All the tastings are £30 per head and, as ever, first come-first served, so don’t tarry!
In the meantime, we’ll be opening wines this weekend for more immediate gratification and, given we’re in the midst of the cricket season, a brace of the Botham wines would seem appropriate.
76 Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2022 – £15.99 – The 76 Series Margaret River Chardonnay represents the year he first scored 1000 runs in one season and played grade cricket for the illustrious Melbourne Cricket club. Citrus, honeysuckle and stone fruits on the nose, joined on the palate by a touch of creaminess, minerality and a lovely fresh finish.
78 Series Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 – £ 29.99 – 1978 was Sir Ian’s first overseas tour with England to New Zealand and he scored his maiden test century at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. Lifted aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry and subtle floral notes with hints of spice and dried herbs lead to a palate with the same red fruit character and some fine, elegant tannins.
And that’s about it from us, keep on keeping on and enjoy the sunshine whilst it lasts, there may be rain on Sunday!