Monthly Archives: June 2009

Did anyone else used to have a pumice stone that was disguised as a mouse in their bathroom? Can’t remember the last time I was up close and dirty with one, but the smell of them lingers in my brain and I’ve just found it again in the Dourthe No1 […]

Pumice stone and beeswax – two Bordeaux whites

June 30, 2009 by Simon

Wine writer-turned-winemaker Monty Waldin credits me with him becoming a wine writer. He used to work in Roberson in London, and apparently when I was in there one day in the early 1990s, I mentioned that Wine Magazine (now RIP) was lookings for a tastings co-ordinator. He applied for the […]

Monty’s Red & White 2008

June 29, 2009 by Simon

There’s a well-known estate in Bordeaux called Château Petit Village. It’s in the hallowed appellation of Pomerol and is owned by the insurance group AXA. There’s a less well-known estate called Château Grand Village. Logic would dictate that if Petit Village cost un bras et une jambe, then you should […]

Why is Petit grander than Grand? Discuss…

June 29, 2009 by Simon

Sometimes you open hallowed bottles and they piss on your chips. Occasionally it’s because they’re corked, but most often the let-downs are because the wines just don’t live up to their billing – anyone seen a good Bob Dylan gig in the last 20 years? But tonight, I’m on a […]

Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay 2001 – not yer typical Aussie Chardie..

June 27, 2009 by Simon

It’s been a lovely morning, and I’m just resting after lunch with a glass of Château Pontet Bagatelle La Rosée de Bagatelle 2008, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence (£9.99 from Great Northern Wine). Provence rose can be something of an overpriced disappointment, but this one, with its floral peach melba flavours […]

Provençal Rosé, Rochdale and Michael Jackson

June 27, 2009 by Simon

At least that’s the theory of the way in which wineries should take you up their portfolio. It’s based on classic European wines – Bourgogne Rouge, village Gevrey, Les Cazetiers and then Chambertin. Or QbA, Kabinett, Auslese, TBA. Or Rioja Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva. Historically it’s been true – move […]

Good, Better, Best?

June 26, 2009 by Simon

Simon Woods

Drinking Outside The Box