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Fellow Wine Lovers,<\/span><\/p>\n Sifting through this week\u2019s news reminds us the world is a funny old place. We\u2019ve got governments in disarray, getting a pay rise, and submarine bases costing zillions if Scotland gets independence. Then we have Government contractors under investigation for fraud, protesters scaling the shard, a chance to buy a share in Postman Pat and Popocatepetl, Mexico\u2019s most famous volcano, getting uppity again.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>The Ashes<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n I\u2019m not sure there has been much press coverage, but the eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted there is some cricket happening. It seems since 1882 England and Australia have periodically held cricket matches contesting a small terracotta urn.\u00a0 This year sees five matches and the first match is \u2018in play\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n We thought we\u2019d get in on the action as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Botham Merrill Willis<\/span><\/b> – Ian Botham and Bob Willis are two of the biggest names in the modern era of world cricket. Geoff Merrill’s reputation on the international wine stage is equally impressive. A mutual passion for their respective professions, cricket and wine, drew them together during the English tour of Australia in 1978. Since then a lasting friendship has developed over many bottles opened and balls bowled. Winemaker Geoff Merrill has an enviable record as a winemaker and show judge spanning some 25 years in Australia, South Africa, The United Kingdom, Italy, USA and New Zealand.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n The wines are all released with a bit of bottle age, bringing a rounded, food friendly nature. <\/span><\/p>\n 2008 Chardonnay (McLaren Vale)<\/span><\/b> – Lively citrus and melon fruits, subtle touch of oak and a crisp finish.<\/span><\/p>\n 2008 Shiraz (McLaren Vale)<\/span><\/b> \u2013 Classic blackberry and spice notes you\u2019d expect from here, along with leather and aniseed notes. <\/span><\/p>\n 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale\/Coonawarra)<\/span><\/b> – Medium-bodied with dark fruits, a touch of menthol, and a touch of that olivey earthiness that Coonawarra brings. <\/span><\/p>\n We have all three wines in stock priced at \u00a316.99 each. <\/span><\/p>\n ASHES SPECIAL: mix any six Botham Merrill Willis wines for \u00a390.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n If that wasn\u2019t exciting enough buy 12 bottles<\/b> and we\u2019ll give you a free bottle of 2007 Chardonnay signed by Bob Willis<\/b> (whilst stocks last obviously!). This wine commemorates the 25th<\/sup> Anniversary of Beefy\u2019s first Charity Walk. <\/span><\/p>\n Votes<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Thanks to all of you who have. <\/span><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t (assuming we\u2019ve not upset you in some way) PLEASE DO IT NOW<\/span> the voting closes today. <\/span><\/p>\n