World Malbec Day is upon us! The ever so popular Malbec and the ultimate partner to red meat. Nowadays you can find at least one Malbec on most wine lists in the UK. One at an entry level and another at the higher end of the price bracket We have 2 excellent Malbec producers from…

WHAT TO DRINK WITH SCALLOPS ? Scallops are very hugely versatile and one of the most delicious seafood around. They are found in most cuisines throughout the world, whether it is as an Asian ceviche, fried in butter with garlic or gratinées French coquilles St. Jacques. We love them and they are great fun to match…

Spring news The spring mildness of February and March is already giving us a glimpse of the start of the season on the hills of Gigondas! Fortunately, the cool nights are tempering down nature’s enthusiasm, which is slowly beginning to awaken. The cherry trees are blossoming and the first leaves are beginning to appear. In…

This week is En Primeur week. We have been hearing for months that the vintage 2018 is looking exceptional in many parts of the world – Bordeaux is no exception. CHÂTEAU DE RICAUD 2018, CADILLAC CÔTES DE BORDEAUX On the steep vineyard slopes here atChâteau de Ricaud, sustainable grass planting and temporary cover plantings help…

1989 – The year when Champagnes and Châteaux was created. We started to think about what happened in 1989 and it all came rushing back! For a start, what did we do with our hands when we didn’t have mobile phones? How did we spend our time before social media? 1989 was the year that…

WHAT’S BEST WITH… Mushroom risotto Château Le Boscq The earthy flavours of mushrooms conjure memories of autumnal walks and kicking up leaves beneath the trees. Wine experts use ‘undergrowth’ as a tasting note to describe flavours and aromas that a red wine can pick up during long ageing, so older vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy…

This week is En Primeur week. We have been hearing for months that the vintage 2018 is looking exceptional in many parts of the world – Bordeaux is no exception. CHÂTEAU GRAND BARRAIL LAMARZELLE FIGEAC 2018, SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU The first few months of the year were characterised by high rainfall. Flowering went well, during…

This week is En Primeur week. We have been hearing for months that the vintage 2018 is looking exceptional in many parts of the world – Bordeaux is no exception. CHÂTEAU BELGRAVE 2018, GRAND CRU CLASSÉ 1855, HAUT-MÉDOC The weather during the first half of the year will long be remembered for record rainfall, making…