Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvée 2014

Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvée 2014, 12%, Sussex, UK (Enquiries via website) One of the wonderful things about working in wine is the potential for making new discoveries. Roebuck Estates is my most recent. Until mid-June, I hadn’t heard of Roebuck. It was only after chairing the WineGB Awards...

Domaine Takahiko Pinot Noir 2016

Domaine Takahiko Pinot Noir 2016, 11.5%, Hokkaido (Peter, 6/10, Feb 2018) One of the brilliant things about wine is its capacity to surprise and delight you. This sprightly, funky Pinot Noir grown on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido by Takahiko Soga, a Pinot fanatic, was a...

Hospices de Beaune

January is the time of year when Burgundians show off their new vintage. Currently it's hard to cross the road in London without falling over a top-notch Burgundian producer clutching bottles of their 2016s - a year that is notable for reduced volumes due to spring...

Forty Hall Vineyard Brut 2015

Forty Hall Vineyard Brut 2015, 11.5%, London (£27.99-28.99, farm shop or website)  Many wines are rewarding. But this fizz is rewarding on so many levels that recommending it feels like a virtue in itself. Get involved, the glib summary might read, because it will make you feel...

Most Wanted Pinot Noir 2016

Most Wanted Pinot Noir 2016, New Zealand (£8.25-9, Sainsbury's)  I have an admission to make. Peter Gordon is one of my all-time favourite chefs. I used to pore over his recipe books as if they were gospel. And his particular brand of inspired fusion food...

Black Cottage rosé 2016

Black Cottage rosé 2016, 12.5%, New Zealand (£10.99 on multi buy or £12.99, Majestic or via Wine Searcher)  A slightly more expensive option on Saturday Kitchen this time - but it's worth it. I was matching it to a delicious but tricky dish by Sabrina Ghayour: harissa lamb with...

Chafor Vintage Rosé 2014

Chafor Vintage Rosé 2014, England (£45, Chafor Wine Estate) I recently had the pleasure of chairing the brand new UK Wine Awards. A task that involved spending two, very enjoyable days tasting nearly 300 English and Welsh wines along with a panel of industry experts. There was a...

Arboleda Pinot Noir 2016

Arboleda Pinot Noir 2016, 13.5%, Chile (£18-20 for the 2015, Loki, Surrey Wine Cellar, Bonafide Wines or globally via Wine Searcher) Arboleda is the sister brand to the better known Errázuriz label, which are both based out of the Aconcagua Valley north of Chilean capital Santiago. And, just...