Fellow Wine Lovers,
This week we thought we should probably have a chat about the sport, there seems to be a lot on and some of it is interesting!
Started in 1829 and an annual feature since 1856, The Boat Race runs on Saturday. Currently Cambridge are in the lead with 81 wins to Oxford’s 78, with only one dead-heat (1877 and mired in controversy as it happens, as the race judge was over 70 and blind in one eye!). Looks to me like Oxford are favourites this year, but let’s see what happens.
In Shanghai we have the Chinese Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton favourite. He seems to be snivelling about having to read all 80 pages of his £21 million contract so I’m hoping his distraction means that Rosberg wins, just to light up the rest of the season a bit. Either way, the cooler weather should favour Mercedes.
Back to the UK Aintree hosts the most famous horse race on the calendar. The Grand National is on Saturday with AP McCoy favourite on Shutthefrontdoor, but personally I’m not convinced. Much as it’d be a lovely way to bow out, he’s the one with all the pressure. If he does win however, there’ll be a lot of bookmakers crying into their Rioja on Saturday night. Having had a quick squizz at the runners, I’m thinking an each way on either Soll or Druids Nephew might be in order.
Over the pond sees Augusta hosting the 79th US Masters. This is the competition where grown men swing sticks at small white balls for hours on end. The winner after four days gets a green anorak(and $1.6 million). Bookies favourite this year is Rory McIlroy, but again I think he’s got all the pressure, how about Lee Westwood or defending anorak Bubba Watson.
Meanwhile, in proper sport, Sunday sees Bradley Wiggins ride his last race for Sky in the Hell of the North that is the 113th Paris Roubaix. One of the oldest races in cycling, it has run since 1896 (skipping a couple of wars)and traditionally goes over a ridiculous amount of cobblestones. The winner of the race wins a cobblestone (and about €30000). I would love a first British winner but whether it’s Wiggins, Thomas, or Stannard is a tough call. Wiggo does have a history of doing the business when he’s had a singular focus, and this has been his focus all season.
Cheese and Wine
Come join us on Thursday 16th April. We are opening wine, partnering it with some delicious cheese and you’re all at a loss as to what to do after the Easter break. 8pm start £20 buys your seat at the table and there are still a few places left.
Think Pink!
The sun is shining and the new vintage of our favourite rose has arrived. Chateau de l’Aumérade Cuvée Marie Christine 2014 is, we think, even more tasty than last year. Its crisp, delicate red fruit characters are the perfect foil for something garlicky. £14.49 per bottle or £75 for six bottles!
Tasting This Weekend
The weekend is on the doorstep and we all have a whistle to whet. We thought we could get started with Bioca Godello (£12.99) a dangerously moreish white from Northwest Spain. Whilst in the red corner we thought we’d try something a bit more mainstream after Alex’s journey to Greece last week. We’ll crack open Campos de Luz Garnacha (£8.49) from Cariñena, a cracking example of old vine Grenache and just perfect should anyone be considering setting light to some sausages charcoal this weekend.
Lastly, a toast to Richie Benaud, just 16 short of a century!