The incredibly coveted American whiskeys from the 2017 Antique Collection by Buffalo Trace have returned for another year. As we did at the beginning of this year, we’ll be putting 100% of our allocation into a ballot to give as many of you as possible the chance to get your hands on a bottle. If you’re reading this blog there’s … Read More
Sparkling Wines for the Festive Season
On one magical day of every year, it is considered socially acceptable – necessary, even – to drink Champagne in the morning. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At this time of the day, the wine falls into its classic function as an aperitif; not just to whet the appetite for the day’s overeating, but indeed to whet … Read More
Red Wines for the Christmas table
Choosing a wine to pair with a crowded meal can be very complicated and, for some, anxiety-inducing. Pile on the added pressure applied to the annual Christmas dinner and it’s enough to give any armchair sommelier a heart attack. But this needn’t be the case. The best answer to some food and wine pairing questions is the simplest: go with … Read More
Warming Whiskies for the Festive Period
Well, the nights are well and truly drawing in and the temperatures are plummeting. It’s really at this time of year that whisky can absolutely shine. To me, it’s very much about the intense flavours and aromas now – that’s what winter whisky is about. Something smokey perhaps, or a cask strength delight, to warm the soul. Something with a … Read More
White Wines for the Christmas Table
Now that the country is covered with snow, we think it’s officially time we started talking about Christmas. To those of us perhaps a little too obsessed with booze, Christmas can be a great excuse to get into a huge selection of drinks over the course of a long hazy day with loved ones. But what to drink? Christmas is one … Read More
Interview with Daniel Szor of the Cotswolds Distillery
The Cotswolds Distillery is one of the more exciting new whisky operations in the UK. Based near Shipston-on-Stour in Oxfordshire, they’ve already made a name for themselves as producers of excellent spirits, including a fine Dry Gin, Espresso Martini and even a Cream Liqueur. But it’s the whisky that many people have been waiting for – and that takes the longest. … Read More
A Spotlight on… Port
Portuguese wines of all styles have been getting a lot of attention recently, so in the run-up to Christmas we thought it prudent to refamiliarise our customers with the nation’s most iconic wine: Port. Port has been beloved by British drinkers ever since the early 18th century when wars with France forced them to look elsewhere for their tipple, while … Read More
20 Years of the Bonnie Family at Chateau Malartic-Lagravieres
A visit this morning to the 67 Pall Mall Club to celebrate with the Bonnie Family, who have been at the helm at Chateau Malartic-Lagravieres for 20 years this year, was welcome change from selling 2016 en-primeurs. Although the 2016 barrel samples brought over especially for the tasting were also very refreshing. In fact the 2016 Rouge showed particularly well … Read More
New World v. Old World wine tasting 5th May 2017
We had a full house again for our New World v Old World tasting on Friday 5th May in the N&P cellars. Starting with 2015 El Campo Sauvignon Blanc Chile A nice take on the New World style, being fresh yet restrained. Notes of tropical fruit on the nose (mango and pineapple) with added citrus flavours on the palate. This … Read More
2016 Bordeaux Vintage Assessment
2016 Bordeaux Vintage Assessment and Tasting Notes “A Humming Vintage” The mood in Bordeaux this week was nothing short of buzzing. The wines at many estates were shockingly good, and will probably be regarded as the new benchmark. I, for one, never expected to witness, so soon, a vintage that could broadly challenge 2010 for its class and elegance, and … Read More