Monthly Archives: October 2016


It’s not as prominent as red port, but white port still merits attention. But should you drink it neat or with additions? Mixed messages from these two wines… PORT 1 Cálem White & Dry Port NV, Douro, Portugal (£12.90 Amathus Drinks) By itself: Quite weighty, with an alcoholic kick to the sweet […]

Do you like your white port blended or unblended?


Viña Ventisquero Root 1 Carmenère 2014, Colchagua, Chile (£8 Morrisons) A wine that always stays just the right side of jammy, with lively dark berry and blackcurrant flavours, earthy coffee bean notes and a fresh, herby finish. Maybe there’s a slightly dry edge to the tannins, but overall this is […]

Viña Ventisquero Root 1 Carmenère 2014, Colchagua, Chile


Champagne Jean Diot Cuvée Sélection NV, France (£19.95 Richard Dawes Fine Wine) Attractive mix of ripeness and freshness, young and lively, with toasty brioche notes alongside the raspberry, apple and citrus fruit, and a clean mineral tang to the finish. Not hugely complex but an appealing dainty style, and a […]

Champagne Jean Diot Cuvée Sélection NV, France



Joya del Rio Toro 2015, Spain (£8.99 Laithwaites) The gentle kick of alcohol, the generous dark plummy berry and blackcurrant flavour and the slight note of damson skin tells you that this comes from a warm climate, but it’s never too loud and pushy, and there’s a fresh edge to […]

Joya del Rio Toro 2015, Spain



How, why, when, what, who? How dad, how do you milk a brown cow? How do you make ice cream? How do you sing when your mouth is full of string? How dad, how dad, how? Why dad, why does the sun stay in the sky? Why does my little […]

Since it’s National Poetry Day…