Italy, Tutored 25 tasters, Thurs 7th July 2011
WINES IN ORDER OF POPULARITY ON THE EVENING (votes for best value & best wine combined to get a total "popularity vote")
1 Gavi La Battistina 2010 £8.10 (my star white wine)
2 Primitivo Conviviale 2010 £6.25 (big juicy red)
3 Conan The Barbera 2008 £14.49 (huge, young)
4 Ca’ di Ponti Grillo 2010 £5.39 (an eye opening white, very tasty)
5 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Conviviale 2009 £6.19 (full-bodied red)
6 Prosecco Le Dolci Spumante NV £8.15 (fizzy juice for adults)
7 GPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio 2010 £5.29 (light, fresh PG)
8 Verdicchio Ruviano 2010 £6.59 (really nice appley, clean white, another suprise)
9 Barolo Flori 2006 £12.49 (young)
10 Piedmont Barbera 2010 £5.59 (light, fresh, needs food, hence at the bottom of the pile (we didn't have food!))
New Zealand, Tutored 30 tasters, Thurs 9th June 2011
A super-duper tasting in Cafe Camino hosted by Richard. I have never (well, once) seen such a spread of votes before. People couldn't make their collective minds up as to what was best.
12 VOTES(1 BV, 11BW) Escarpment “Edge” Pinot Noir 2009 (Martinborough) £11.49
8 VOTES (2 BV, 6BW) Te Mata Syrah/Viognier 2009 (Hawkes Bay) £15.49
6 VOTES (4 BV, 2 BW) Kahuranghi Gewutztraminer 2009 (Nelson) £9.39
6 VOTES (4 BV, 2 BW)Kahuranghi Pinot Noir 2009 (Nelson) £10.49
5 VOTES (5 BV) Kahuranghi estate Sauvignon Blanc2009 (Nelson) £8.79
4 VOTES (2 BV, 2 BW) Stanley Estate Pinot Gris 2010 (Marlborough) £13.49
4 VOTES (3 BV, 1 BW) Moko Black Pinot Noir 2009 (Central Otago) £10.69
3 VOTES (2 BV, 1 BW) Escarpment “Edge” Pinot Gris 2009 (Martinborough) £9.49
3 VOTES (3 BV) Bascand Riesling 2009 (Marlborough) £8.99
2 VOTES (2 BV) Kahuranghi Riesling 2007 (Nelson) £8.79
1 VOTE (1 BW) Allan Scott Sparkling nv (Marlborough) £17.19
Martin Wishart Cook School Wine Club 19 tasters, Wed 18th May 2011
A brilliant night down at the cook school with a fun crowd, hosted with a touch of genius by our Simon. The wines and food were superb, with the match of the year so far being the loin of Rabbit with hazelnuts and sherry vinegar vinaigrette with the Waipara Riesling- just superb- honey, nut, citrus, peach, 00h-lovely!!!
14 (12 BV, 2 BW) The:Cut Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Nelson, New Zealand £6.99 *** Roast Halibut with Smoked Salmon and Chives
8 (8 BW) Dignité Syrah 2008 Vin de Pays D’Oc, France £9.89 *** Duck Confit with Caramelized Onions
5 (5 BW) Waipara Springs Dry Riesling 2009 Canterbury, New Zealand £10.15 *** Rabbit Hazelnut Vinaigrette
5 (5 BV) Trentham Estate Noble Taminga 2006, Big Rivers, Australia £8.10 *** Apple Tart with a Caramel Sauce
4 (2 BV, 2 BW) Spice Route Chenin Blanc 2010 Swartland, South Africa £9.25 *** Tortellini of Langoustine and scallop mousse/Langoustine Cappucino Sauce
2 (2 BW) Kahurangi Estate Pinot Noir 2009 Nelson, New Zealand £10.49 *** Roe Deer with Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi
No.16 & 'Grog Wine Dinner at No.16, 16 Byres Road, Glasgow
April 11th, 2011
Five courses of tasty, inventive, fantastic food from Joel & the gang at No.16, with wine matches and chat provided by our Mat. Fed and watered 22 eager mouths. We kicked off the night with the delicious Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer, which has all the assets to cope with the creamy cauliflower veloute, little touches of aniseed adding to the mix. Trentham's Estate Merlot worked really well with the complex Seared wood pigeon breast, celeriac puree, kirsch cherry jelly with thyme & garlic crostini. We then went off-piste with the Lemon, pink peppercorn & thyme washed down with a wee toot of Classic Amontillado. This worked beautifully with the sweet lemon and herb but the pepper was maybe a bit unnecessary. Very interesting nonetheless, and Mat was mightily relieved that it came off! The next two courses were perfect. Rainbow trout with pea pannacotta, spinach puree, pea shoot and Ratte potato salad cried out for a glass of bubbly and the Gobillard Brut NV was incredible, matching every flavour on the
plate and punching way above it's weight in the quality stakes. The winning match, and the favourite wine of the night, however was the Primitivo di Manduria "Sessantani" 2007 with Dark chocolate brownie, rhubarb jelly & beetroot ice cream. All the elements hit it off immediately and had a riotous mouth-party!
Some pictures to give you a flavour
"Australia Regional Heroes Tasting" 70 tasters at Cafe Camino, Edinburgh, 19th March 2011
A perfect start to the weekend with a fantastic turnout. The very enthusiastic crowd was manfully tackled by Simon Howland (wine educator and bona fide ozzie bloke), who took us through some great examples of the myriad styles now produced in Oz. He was helped (possibly) by our Simon and Janice, with the elegant Regan from Wines Of Australia mucking in too. Special mention must go the Simon's twin brother, Andrew, who attended his first wine tasting since Simon started in the wine trade 12 years ago- better late than never!!!!
and the winner is.....
22 votes, Trentham Estate Pinot Noir 2006 Mornington Peninsula £13.99 (21 for best wine, 1 for best value)
19 votes, Matilda Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Langhorne Creek £9.29 (5 for best wine, 14 for best value)
17 votes, Soldiers Block Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale £6.89 (1 for best wine, 15 for best value)
9 votes, Soldiers Block Chardonnay 2009 McLaren Vale £6.89 (2 for best wine, 7 for best value)
9 votes, Binder Highness Riesling 2009, Eden Valley £10.99 (5 for best wine, 4 for best value)
8 votes, Hollick Tempranillo 2006 Wrattonbully £13.89 (6 for best wine, 2 for best value)
7 votes, Retro 55 Shiraz/Cabernet 2008 Barossa Valley £9.79 (2 for best wine, 5 for best value)
6 votes, Lantana Semillon/Chardonnay 2009 Big Rivers £5.72 (0 for best wine, 6 for best value)
5 votes, Leaping Lizard Cabernet/Merlot 2008 Frankland Valley WA £8.39 (3 for best wine, 2 for best value)
4 votes, Ninth island Pinot Grigio 2008 Tasmania £13.10 (4 for best wine, 0 for best value)
"Spain & Portugal" 25 tasters at Cafe Camino, Edinburgh, 3rd March 2011
A triumphant inaugural Iberian taste challenge, with Richard challenged by several unusual grape varieties never knowingly pronounced before!
The interesting Portuguese Verdelho blend won the day in a surprise result, with the delightful Sabina white unsurprisingly winning on value. Richard reckoned the Esporao Red was very, very fine wine.
9 votes, Esporao Duas Castas (Verdelho & Viosinho), Alentejano, Portugal £9.79 (4 for best wine, 5 for best value)
8 votes, Eidosela (Albarino) 2009, Rias Baixas, Spain £9.27 (4 for best wine, 4 for best value)
6 votes, Rioja Anzarena Crianza (Tempranillo) 2007, Spain £7.99 (4 for best wine, 2 for best value)
6 votes, Sabina (Viura) 2009, Navarra, Spain £4.90 (0 for best wine, 6 for best value)
5 votes, Esporao Reserva Red 2008 (Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trincadeira), Alentejano, Portugal £14.89 (5 for best wine)
4 votes, Juan Gil (Monastrell) 2009, Jumilla, Spain £7.89 (4 for best value)
3 votes, Monte Velho 2009 (Roupeiro, Antao Vaz & Perrum), Alentejano, Portugal £8.15 (1 for best wine, 2 for best value)
2 votes, Esporao reserva White 2009 (Antao Vaz, Arinto & Roupeiro), Alentejano, Portugal £11.30 (1 for best wine, 1 for best value)
1 vote, Rioja Anzarena Joven (Tempranillo) 2009, Spain £6.25 (1 for best value)
0 votes, Rioja Anzarena (Viura) 2009, Spain £6.25 (yet, bizarrely we sold 2 cases on the back of the tasting...what's that all about!!?)
Escarpment Estate Wine Dinner at the Apartment Bistro, Barclay Place, Edinburgh
March 2nd, 2011
The world famous, internationally acclaimed owner/winemaker, Larry McKenna, ably assisted by our Simon, fed and watered 23 eager mouths. The Riesling kicked the taste buds into action with some proper off-dry citrus crispy-ness. Probably the match of the night was the soft, ripe old-oak barrel-fermented Pinot Gris with the lovely rich, creamy salmon/crab rillettes. Wild mushroom risotto is simply wonderful with Larry's Pinots so that match was tops. The following Venison was beautifully cooked, ie nice and rare, though we thought that the root mash/vanilla-braised celery added a touch too much sweetness for the estate Pinot to cope with. In hindsight, the uber-ripe Edge would have gone better. The Hinemoa comes across light and fresh, belying its 120 g/s per litre residual sugar. Luckily the crumble wasn't over-sweet so the wine wasn't overwhelmed. Big thanks to the Apartment for the excellent service and great food, especially Ruori for the banter! Thanks to Larry for taking the time to visit us northern people! It's always great to see him. The most repeated phrase of the night..."When's the next one?"
click to download a "pdf" copy of the menu
(opens in new window)
"Champagne & Sparkling" 30 tasters, 1st Feb 2011
Another good night. HAVE A LOOK AT 2009 & 2008 SCORES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TOO!
11 votes, Cava Mont Marcal Grand Reserve £10.54 (0 for best wine, 11 for best value)
10 votes, Champagne Gobillard Rose 1er Cru 2005 £25.07 (7 for best wine, 3 for best value)
8 votes, Cava St Monica nv, £7.36 (0 for best wine, 8 for best value)
7 votes, Champagne Taittinger nv, £30.30 (7 for best wine, 0 for best value)
6= votes, Champagne Gobillard Blanc de BLANCS nv, £22.52 (6 for best wine, 0 for best value)
6= votes, Champagne Gobillard Blanc de NOIR nv, £22.52 (4 for best wine, 2 for best value)
5 votes, Champagne Gobillard 1er Cru 2005 £25.07 (5 for best wine, 0 for best value)
Rustenberg Wine Dinner at the Apartment Bistro, Barclay Place, Edinburgh
October 26th, 2010
Dave Hutton from Rustenberg, ably assisted by our Simon, took 24 diners through some seriously good wines with equally fine Fayre. The best match divided opinion but was either the Oaked Chardonnay with the totally delicious Cassoulet, the rounded, sumptuous but surprisingly approachable Peter barlow with the beef, or the Straw Wine with the Fool. All diners agreed it was one of the best dinners- high quality food, wine and chat with excellent matches throughout.
click to download a "pdf" copy of the menu
(opens in new window)
"Greatest Grog" 30 tasters, 2nd Sept 2010
I asked everyone to rate each wine out of 10 (10 being ultimate, 1 being rubbish) & then we took an average value for the room for each wine.
Molly Dooker Boxer Shiraz 2009 (Aussie Red), £24.49, 9.5/10
Ferngrove "stirlings" Cab/Shiraz 2009 (Aussie Red), £35.99, 9/10 (too young!)
Champagne Simart-Moreau nv, (France Fizzy!), 22.19, 9/10
Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NZ White), £15.89, 8.5/10
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2008 (NZ Red), £17.39, 8.5/10
Handmade Reserve Cab/Merlot 2009 (South Africa Red), £9.59, 8/10 (too young!)
Chassagne-Montrachet Louis Jadot 2008 (Burgundy, White), £29.50, 7.5/10
Turckheim Veille vignes Gewurztraminer (Alsace White) £11.29, 7/10
Beaune 1er cru Louis Jadot 2007, (Burgundy Red), £19.10, 6/10 (too young!)
Martin Wishart Cook School Wine Club 20 tasters, Thurs 19th August 2010
Another very convivial night, big thanks again to Kev for his food demo!
Kahurangi Ries 2007 2008, Nelson, New Zealand £8.39 with Crab Cake with Tomato and Ginger, Coriander Oil
Handmade Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Stellenbosch, South Africa £7.69 with Goats Cheese Gnocci, Asparagus, Parmesan Glaze
Cotes Du Rhone Rosé “Les Cerisiers” 2009, Rhone, France £6.39
Kahurangi Pinot Noir 2009, Nelson, New Zealand £9.79 with Loin of Rabbit with Broad Beans, Hazelnuts & Parsley
Handmade Cinsault/Shiraz 2009, Stellenbosch, South Africa £6.99
Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet 2005, California,USA £6.49*Bin-End Vintage*
Big Tent Festival, Fife July 2010
The sun shone & everyone had a good time at Falkland estate's eco festival
Royal Highland Show June 2010
this year 187,000 people came (not everyone visited our stall but at times it felt like they had).
A great year for wine, tractors & cows (what's not to like?!)
"Great Grog Vs Chop Chop"
Larry McKenna of Escarpment Wines at Chop Chop Restaurant. 52 Attendees (sold out)
Monday, 1st March 2010
“The best evening out I have had in a long, long time,” said one diner
Chop Chop, 248 Morrison St, EH3 8DT
Prosecco Frizzante (welcome drink)
Kahuranghi Sauvignon Blanc vs. Boiled chicken dumplings & Cucumber salad (sweet)...went well. brought out the green fruit in the Sauv
Escarpment "The Edge" Pinot Gris 2008 vs. Diced chicken and potato (spicy/salty) & Fishballs in Chinese sauce (not too spicy)......Fantastic!!
Escaprment Pinot Gris 2008 vs. Tender green beans with chilli (ginger) with Fried Pork & Chinese chives dumplings (garlic).....superb , brought out the creaminess & vanilla in the wine
Escarpment Chardonnay 2007 vs. Lamb with cumin seed and Spicy squid (ginger and chilli)...superb with the squid, a touch light with the lamb
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2007 vs. Crispy Northern beef (ginger and vinegar) and Aubergine with garlic...awesome with the aubergine, too dry against the sweet n sour beef
Scotto Zinfandel 2008 vs. Spinach and peanuts (with garlic) and Sweet and sour pork ribs...excellent, big enough to stand up to the flavours
Martin Wishart Cook School Wine Club 15 tasters, Thurs 9th October 2009
Another very convivial night, big thanks again to Ryan for his insightful demonstrations and general good humour!
10 votes,Allan Scott Sauvignon 2008 £8.79 (2 for best wine, 8 for best value) paired with smoked salmon
6 votes, Escarpment Pinot Noir 2007 £16.69 (6 for best wine) paired with woodpigeon salad
5 votes, Allan Scott Riesling 2007, £9.85 (3 for best wine, 2 for best value)
4 votes, Escarpment Pinot Gris 2008, £10.75 (2 for best wine, 2 for best value) paired with cream of pumpkin soup
1 votes, Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah 2006,£12.59, (1 for best wine)
0 votes, Te Mata Woodthorpe Gamay 2008,£10.39
Martin Wishart Cook School Wine Club 14 tasters, Thurs 20th August 2009
A very convivial night, big thanks to Ryan and Kevin, the chefs down at the Cook School, for the tasty canapes!
9 votes, Alasia Muscat, Italy £6.39, (1 for best wine, 8 for best value)
6 votes, Cotes du Roussillon Villages Boutinot £7.99 (3 for best wine, 3 for best value)
4 votes, Molly Dooker Boxer Shiraz 2008, £19.99 (4 for best wine)
3 votes, Te Mata Woodthorpe Chardonnay 2006, NZ £10.89, (3 for best wine)
2 votes, Urban Uco Tempranillo 2008, Argentina, £7.25 (1 for best wine, 1 for best value)
1 votes, Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (1 for best wine)
"Italy & Spain" 26 tasters, Tues 28th July 2009
The 2 top wine exporting countries (France has now slipped to 3rd...)
14 votes, Alasia Muscat, Italy £6.39, (3 for best wine, 11 for best value)
10 votes, Juan Gil Monastrel 2007, Spain £7.75 (7 for best wine, 3 for best value)
7 votes, Prosecco Ca'Bolani Frizzante, Italy £6.99, (1 for best wine, 6 for best value)
7 votes, Pago de Los Capellanes 2007, Ribera del Duero, Spain, £13.59, (7 for best wine, 0 for best value)
7 votes, Rioja vega del Rayo Seleccionada 2006, Spain £6.95, (6 for best wine, 1 for best value)
5 votes, Nero D'Avola Ca' di Ponti 2008, Italy £4.89, (0 for best wine, 5 for best value)
3 votes, Dogajolo Sangiovese/Cab 2006, Tuscany, Italy £9.75, (3 for best wine, 0 for best value)
2 votes, Vina Mojen Verdejo/Viura 2008, Rueda, Spain £7.35, (2 for best wine, 0 for best value)
2 votes, GPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio 2008, Italy £5.35, (0 for best wine, 2 for best value)
1 votes, Mont Marcal Sauv/Xarello/Semillon 2008, Spain £4.99, (0 for best wine, 1 for best value)
Trade-only Food and Wine Matching Session at the Grog Bar, Thursday July 2009
We put on a wee workshop covering the basics of food and wine matching for a select band of trade customers
Big thanks to our multi-talented van-man Chris for the first 6 courses and a special mention to Mat for his Trifle-
(He made his own custard and his own raspberry jelly from stratch, and added 30 year old Pedro Ximenez to the madeira cake base- bloomin' gorgeous!)
Cava Mont Marcal Gran Cuvée Brut NV, Spain
Haddock and Crab Cakes
Verdict- Good Match- crisp, elegant and refreshing but with honeycomb complexity without food, the acidity of the cava cut through the crispy, fishy richness nicely
Kahurangi Estate Pinot Gris 2007, Nelson New Zealand
Chilli Ginger Prawns
Verdict- very good match- 2nd equal favourite pairing. Juicy, very spicy rich meat, lots of ginger- the fleshy, ripe fruit and touch of residual sweetness in the wine worked very nicely.
Roero Arneis Alasia 2007, Piemonte Italy
Goats Cheese and Caramelised Shallot Tartlets
Verdict- Superb match- 2nd equal favourite pairing. A slight risk when Savvy B is a more usual match. The Arneis is a full-flavoured, very elegant white with a touch of oak.
It had enough acidity to cope with the cheese and pastry and enough fruit too cope with the shallots. The flavours were delicious together.
Rioja Artesa Crianza 2006, Spain
Queso Manchego
Verdict- the favourite pairing of the session- it's a classic combination, but usually served with Membrillo (a quince Jelly) which tends to skewer the wine a little!
The Rioja is juicy and full of red fruits and creamy, soft oak and combines brilliantly with the pungent, full-flavoured, firm cheese.
Cotes du Rhone-Villages ‘Les Coteaux Schisteaux’ Seguret 2006, France
Lamb Leg and Mint Meatballs
Verdict- good match- Sweet, fatty Lamb and floral, peppery Syrah have a natural affinity with comments that the wine brought out the mint nicely and another that the meat emphasied the wine's acidity
Conan the Barbera 2006, Barbera D’Asti Piemonte Italy
Salami al Tartufo
Verdict- brilliant! Conan's a big, chocolately, inky wine with lots of acidity to balance, it's from the land of the truffle and some say it tastes of salami skin so what's not to like?
Coped with what is essentially salt, fat and truffle brilliantly.
Trentham Noble Taminga 2005, Big Rivers Australia
Mat’s Special Trifle
Verdict- really nice- rich, fruity, very deep nutty flavours in the trifle. The bright, zesty, orange-citrus wine cut through the custard and the sugar levels were perfect for the sweetness in the food.
Conclusion- a very useful initiation into how to approach putting which wine with which food- Try the wine by itself first, then eat, and watch how the wine changes, sometimes quite drastically!
If you're interested in the next one and have a bar or restaurant- please give us a shout at the warehouse and we'll put you on the list!
"New Wines" 34 tasters, Thurs 16th July 2009
Some suprise results in there...
18 votes, Conan The Barbera 2006, Italy £12.85, (18 for best wine, 0 for best value)
18 votes, False bay Pinotage 2007, S. Africa £5.79, (6 for best wine, 12 for best value)
8 votes, Andes Peak Chardonnay 2007, Chile £5.25, (0 for best wine, 8 for best value)
7 votes. Roero Arneis Alasia 2007, Italy, £9.75, (5 for best wine, 2 for best value)
5 votes, Sierra Grande Cabernet 2008, Chile £5.25, (0 for best wine, 5 for best value)
5 votes, Mont Marcal Rosado (Rose) 2008, Spain £4.99, (1 for best wine!!, 4 for best value)
3 votes, Nero D'Avola Ca' di Ponti 2008, Italy £4.89, (0 for best wine, 3 for best value)
2 votes, Prosecco Ca'Bolani Spumante, Italy £7.99, (2 for best wine, 0 for best value)
2 votes, Cava Mont Marcal "Gran Cuvee", Spain £9.79, (1 for best wine, 1 for best value)
"Pike's Estate, Clare Valley, Australia" 17 tasters, Mon 6th July 2009
10 votes, Pikes Dry Riesling 08 £11.35, (8 for best wine, 2 for best value)
7 votes, Pike and Joyce Pinot Noir 2007 £14.25, (6 for best wine, 1 for best value)
5 votes, Pikes White Mullet 2007 £7.85, (5 for best value)
5 votes. Pikes Red Mullet 2006 £7.85, (5 for best value)
4 votes, Pikes Luccio Red 2005 £9.25, (1 for best wine, 3 for best value)
2 votes, Pikes Viognier 2004 £11.89, (2 for best wine)
0 votes, Pikes Luccio White 2008 £9.25, (it had lovely palate weight and limey freshness)
0 votes, Pike and Joyce Sauvignon 2007 £11.65, (a closed nose due to hot vintage but intense, concentrated palate)
0 votes, Pike and Joyce Bleedings Pinot Noir Rose 2006 £10.69, (expressive rhubarb and custard nose, nice weight and acidity)
"South Africa" 32 Tasters, Mon 8th June 2009
15 votes, Paul Cluver Gewurztraminer 2008, £8.29 (9 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
10 votes, Rustenberg "Peter Barlow" 2004 £22.15 (1 for best value, 9 for Best wine)
8 votes, Rustenberg Chardonnay 2007, £10.35 (2 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
8 votes, Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc 2008, £6.49 (6 for best value, 2 for Best wine!!)
5 votes, Brampton Shiraz 2006 £8.65 (2 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
5 votes, Bouchard Finlayson unoaked Chardonnay 2007 £9.99 (1 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
4 votes, Kaapzicht Bin 3 Merlot/Cab 2005 £8.65 (4 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
4 Votes, Mischa Eventide cabernet 2005 £8.99 (NZ) (2 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
3 votes, Mischa Viognier 2008 £8.99 (2 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
2 votes, Slowine Rose £6.49 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
"Ultimate Grog" 21 Tasters, Mon 18th May 2009
11 votes, Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet 2001 (Aussie), £27.29 (1 for best value, 10 for Best wine)
7 votes, Noon Eclipse 2007 £34.50 (Aussie) (0 for best value, 7 for Best wine)
6 votes, Pike & Joyce Pinot Noir 2006 (Aussie), £14.25 (2 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
5 votes, Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Chile) £13.35 (5 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
4 votes, Champagne Simart-Moreau 2005 £24.99 (France) (4 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, St Clair Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (NZ) £17.99 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, Te Mata Viognier 2007 (NZ) £12.65 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 Votes, Allan Scott Gewurtztraminer 2007 £12.49 (NZ) (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, Allan Scott Pinot Noir 2007 (NZ) £12.99 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
1 vote, Noon Tawny (Port-Style) (Aussie) £21.50 (0 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Rose" 51 Tasters, Tues 28th April 2009
23 votes, Champagne Gobillard 1er cru Rose 2005, £22.25 (3 for best value, 20 for Best wine)
21 votes, Bremerton Racy Rose 2008 £8.99 (Aussie) (5 for best value, 16 for Best wine)
16 votes, Champagne Gobillard Rose nv, £20.79 (3 for best value, 13 for Best wine)
14 votes, Las Corazas Tempranillo Rose 2008 (Spain) £4.59 (12 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
7 votes, Pinot Grigio Rose Ancora 2007 £5.49 (Italy) (7 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
7 votes, Brampton Rose 2007 £6.29 (S. Africa) (7 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
5 votes, Brise de France Rose 2007 £4.59 (5 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
3 Votes, Cava St Monica Rose nv £7.29 (Spain) (3 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
3 votes, Chaume-Arnaud Grenache Rose 2007 £7.49 (3 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
3 votes, Sarria Rosado (Spain) 2008 £6.69 (3 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
"France" 52 Tasters, Mon 23rd March 2009
17 votes, Chaume-Arnaud Grenache, ROSE! 2007 £7.49 (8 for best value, 9 for Best wine)
13 votes, Chaume-Arnaud Grenache/Syrah, Red 2005 £9.99 (3 for best value, 10 for Best wine)
12 votes, Crozes Hermitage, Tain, Red 2005 £11.69 (2 for best value, 10 for Best wine)
12 votes, Bois de Chapitre, ROSE 2007 £4.59 (12 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
10 votes, L'Atelier Chardonnay/Viognier 2007, White, £6.49 (6 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
10 Votes, Macon Solutre-Pouilly, White 2007 £8.49 (6 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
9 votes, Macon Serrieres 2007, Red, £9.89 (1 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
8 votes, Simply Sauvignon Blanc 2008 £4.99 (8 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
7 Votes, Chateau Barthe Cab/merlot 2005 Red £8.59 (3 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
5 Votes, Champagne Trouillard nv £19.50 (1 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
1 Vote, Turckheim Riesling 2007 £8.39 (0 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir" 41 Tasters, Mon 3rd March 2009
19 votes,Trout Valley Sauvignon, Nelson, NZ £7.19 (16 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
13 votes,Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough,NZ £9.79 (0 for best value, 13 for Best wine)
12 votes, Le Fou Pinot Noir, France £6.59 (11 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
10 votes,Trentham Pinot Noir, Mildura, Aussie £7.89 (6 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
9 votes, Hollick Pinot Noir, Aussie £9.69 (0 for best value, 9 for Best wine)
8 Votes, Kahurangi Pinot Noir, Nelson, NZ £9.19 (3 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
5 votes, Kaapzicht Pinotage, Stellenbosch, S. Africa £9.89 (1 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
2 votes, Brampton Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, S. Africa £6.99 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 Votes, Matilda Plains Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, Aussie £7.79 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 Votes, Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay, S. Africa £9.79 (1 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Spain" 50 Tasters, Mon 2nd Feb 2009
I forgot to take votes!! Idiot!
Top seller was Rioja Reserva Vega de la Rayo 2003, £8.19 (Baby smooth)
Pink Cava went well, £7.39 (Strawberry & raspberry fruit but dry)
Juan Gil Monastrel was very good value, £6.69 (Cherry fruit)
Top white was Las Corazas macabeo, £4.75 (ripe apples)
Best white was Vina Mocen Verdejo 2007 £8.19 (Loads of fruity flavour)
Terra Calida Rose (Garnacha/Tepranillo) 2007 £5.59 (got a universal nod)
"Champagne tasting" 8th Dec 2008 36 Tasters
14 votes, Gobillard privilidge de moines, £22.25 (4 for best value, 10 for Best wine)
10 votes, Simart-Moreau nv Grand Cru £19.75 (5 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
10 votes, Gobillard 1er cru, Gran Reserve £18.99 (8 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
8 votes, Simart-Moreau ROSE nv Grand Cru £19.75 (5 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
7 votes, Simart-Moreau 2002 Grand Cru £23.99 (0 for best value, 7 for Best wine)
7 Votes, Trouillard Blanc de Blancs £19.79 (6 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
6 votes, Gobillard Blanc de Noir nv £18.99 (4 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
6 votes, Gobillard 1er cru ROSE 2004, £22.25 (0 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
6 Votes, Gobillard nv £17.99 (5 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Champagne tasting" 5th Dec 2008 50 Tasters
29 Votes, Gobillard nv £17.99 (22 for best value, 7 for Best wine)
18 Votes, Trouillard Blanc de Blancs £19.79 (7 for best value, 11 for Best wine)
17 votes, Simart-Moreau nv Grand Cru £19.75 (12 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
9 votes, Gobillard 1er cru, Gran Reserve £18.99 (5 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
7 votes, Simart-Moreau 2002 Grand Cru £23.99 (0 for best value, 7 for Best wine)
7 votes, Gobillard 1er cru ROSE 2004, £22.25 (1 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
6 votes, Gobillard privilidge de moines, £22.25 (0 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
5 votes, Simart-Moreau ROSE nv Grand Cru £19.75 (0 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
2 votes, Gobillard Blanc de Noir nv £18.99 (0 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Kaapzicht & Trentham Winemaker tasting" 19th Nov 2008 40 Tasters
19 Votes, Murphys Shiraz 2007 £5.49 (18 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
12 Votes, Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2003 £19.99 (0 for best value, 12 for Best wine)
8 votes, Trentham Taminga Dessert wine (1/2 bot) 2005 £6.59 (8 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
7 votes, Trentham Nebbiolo 2005 £8.99 (1 for best value, 6 for Best wine)
7 votes, Trentham Pinot Noir 2006 £6.99 (7 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
3 votes, Kaapzicht bin 3 Cab/Merlot 2005 £8.49 (0 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
3 votes, Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc 2008 (3 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, Kaapzicht Pinotage 2005 £9.99 (0 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
"Greatest Grog Tasting" 3rd Nov 2008 34 Tasters
22 Votes, Bremerton "Selkirk" Shiraz 2006 £11.79 (20 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
12 Votes, Hollick Ravenswood cab 2001 £27.99 (0 for best value, 12 for Best wine)
11 votes, Champagne Simart-Moreau 2002 £23.99 (4 for best value, 7 for Best wine)
7 votes, Pouilly-Fuisse Romanin 2006 £10.69 (6 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
5 votes, Paul Cluver 7 flags Pinot Noir 2006 £29.75 (0 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
4 votes, Darenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2005 £24.00 (0 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
4 votes, Handmade Sauvignon 2008 (4 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
3 votes, Cotes du Rhone La cadene Chaume-Arnaud (Red) 2000 £14.49 (1 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
"Kahurangi New Zealand Tasting" 11th June 2008 39 Tasters
18 Votes, Trout Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 £6.99 (14 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
14 Votes, Kahurangi Pinot Noir 2006 £8.19 (10 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
13 votes, Kahurangi "Mount Arthur" Chardonnay 2006 £8.99 (1 for best value, 12 for Best wine)
11 votes, Kahurangi Dry Riesling 2006 £7.49 (9 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
8 votes, Kahurangi Gewurztraminer 2007 £8.19 (3 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
7 votes, Trout Valley Chardonnay 2007 £6.99 ((7 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
5 votes, Kahurangi Pinot Gris 2007 (1 for best value, 4 for Best wine)
2 vote, Kahurangi "Unwooded" Chardonnay 2006 £7.49 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
"Perth Area Wine Group, South Africa Tasting" 13th May 2008 22 Tasters
14 Votes, Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005 £10.29 (1 for best value, 13 for Best wine)
11 Votes, SloWine Pinot Noir Rose 2006 £6.19 (8 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
8 votes, Cape Elephant Red 2007 £3.89 (8 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
5 votes, Kaapzicht Pinotage 2003 £9.99 (0 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
2 votes, Forge Mill Chenin Blanc 2007 £4.49 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, Livingston Chenin/Colombard 2007 £4.75 (2 for best value, 0 for Best wine)
2 votes, Bon Courage Sauvignon 2006 £7.25 (1 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"New Zealand" 29th April 2008 32 Tasters
12 Votes, Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2006 £8.99 (7 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
11 Votes, Kahurangi Pinot Noir 2006 £8.99 (6 for best value, 5 for Best wine)
10 votes, Te Mata “Bullnose” Syrah 2005 £19.29 (0 for best value, 10 for Best wine)
8 votes, Trout Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 £6.99 (7 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
8 votes, Kahurangi Pinot Gris 2007 £8.19 (6 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
6 votes, Kahurangi Riesling 2006 £7.49 (4 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
4 votes, Te Mata “Woodthorpe” Merlot/Cabernet 2005 £10.89 (2 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
2 vote, Te Mata “Cape Crest” Sauvignon Blanc 2006 £13.79 (0 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
2 vote, Te Mata “Woodthorpe” Viognier 2005 £12.79 (0 for best value, 2 for Best wine)
1 vote, Allan Scott Pinot Noir 2006 £12.99 (0 for best value, 1 for Best wine)
"Rose" 9th April 2008
15 Votes, Slowine Pinot Noir 2007 (S. Africa), £5.99 (12 for best value, 3 for Best wine)
10 Votes, Circumstance Mourvedre Rose 2007 (S. Africa), £9.10 (2 votes for best value, 8 for best wine)
8 Votes, Sarria Rosado 2006 (Spain), £5.99 (6 for best value, 2 for best wine)
6 Votes, Bremerton Racy Rose 2007 (Aussie), £7.99 (6 for best wine)
6 Votes, Bois de chapitre Rose (France) 2006, £5.25 (5 for best value, 1 for best wine)
"France" 31st March 2008
15 Votes, Cotes du Rhone "La Cadene" 2000, £14.49 (15 for best wine)
12 Votes, Riesling Turckheim 2005, £7.39 (10 votes for best value, 2 for best wine)
11 Votes, Champagne Simart-Moreau 2002, £22.25 (3 for best value, 8 for best wine)
11 Votes, Minervois la Liviniere 2004, £8.19 (8 for best value, 3 for best wine)
7 Votes, L'Atelier Chardonnay/Viognier 2006, £5.39 (7 for best value, 0 for best wine)
7 Votes, Pouilly-Fuisse Domaine Romanin 2006, £10.69 (2 for best value, 5 for best wine)
6 Votes, Macon Serrieres Dom. Romanin 2006 £5.89 (6 for best value, 0 for best wine)
6 Votes, Champagne Gobillard nv £16.79 (3 for best value, 3 for best wine)
5 Votes, Sancerre la Clochette 2006 £9.59 (2 for best value, 3 for best wine)
5 Votes, Madiran Domaine Berthoumieu 2004 £12.69 (0 for best value, 5 for best wine)
"Champagne" 12th March 2008
13 Votes, Gobillard Blanc de Noir £17.99 (5 for best value wine, 8 for best wine)
12 Votes, Gobillard 2003 vintage £18.99 (3 votes for best value, 9 for best wine)
10 Votes, Gobillard nv £15.49 (9 for best value, 1 for best wine)
10 Votes, Simart-Moreau Grand Cru nv £18.99 (3 for best value, 7 for best wine)
9 Votes, Trouillard Elexium ROSE nv £16.99 (4 for best value, 5 for best wine)
8 Votes, Gobillard Privilidge de moins nv £18.99 (3 for best value, 5 for best wine)
8 Votes, Simart-Moreau Grand Cru 2002 £19.99 (2 for best value, 6 for best wine)
7 Votes, Trouillard nv £15.49 (7 for best value, 0 for best wine)
3 Votes, Trouillard Elexium nv £16.99 (1 for best value, 2 for best wine)
2 Votes, Veuve Clicquot nv £29.39 (0 for best value, 2 for best wine)
"Aberdeen"
8th Nov.2007, 6-8.30pm, Atholl Hotel, 54 Kingsgate.
A "wander around & slurp at around 60 choice Christmas wines" event. 40 folk came along, slurped
& enjoyed (15 folk placed orders on the night so they must have found some nice things to try!).
Trouillard Champagne was drinking beautifully. 3 favourites of mine (Richard) were
Allan Scott Sauvigon £8.99
Andes Peak carmenere £5.10!
Saint Clair Pinot Noir £9
SOUTH AFRICA WINE FAIR
Wed 10th Oct 2008
WE RAISED £650 FOR HELP A CHILD APPEAL. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME, TASTED, DONATED, ENJOYED!
Wine Fair
Great Grog Fair*Sold Out*
Friday 26th Sept, 6-8.30pm, at the
Merchant's Hall, Hanover street, Edinburgh
Tickets £15 each & there were 150 wines to slurp.
A bargain! hence 200 tickets sold. If you have never been to a wine tasting before this is a great start to your tasting career.
If you have been to some, this is the best! Please e-mail to be informed of the next one in Spring 2009.
Great Grog New World Fair*Sold Out*
Friday 16th May, 6-8.30pm, at the Merchant's Hall, Hanover street, Edinburgh
A great evening out. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, including us!
it was a sell out capacity 200 people.
"Ian Hollick, Aussie" 27th Sept 2007
12 Votes, Neilsen's Block Merlot £19.50 (0 for best value wine, 12 for best wine)
10 Votes, Sauvignon/Semillon £7.99 (9 votes for best value, 1 for best wine)
6 Votes, Wrattonbully Shiraz £10.99 (4 for best value, 2 for best wine)
4 Votes, Riesling £8.99 (all 4 for best wine)
3 Votes, Hollaia Sangiovese/Cabernet £9.75 (2 for best value, 1 for best wine)
2 Votes, Wilgha Shiraz £16.50 (2 for best wine)
2 Votes, Cabernet/Merlot £9.89 (1 for best value, 1 for best wine)
1 Vote, Tempranillo £9.69 (1 for best value wine)
"Edinburgh Uni. Wine Soc." 24th Sept '007
1 Sierra Grande Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) £4.59
2 Brise De France Chardonnay £3.99
3 Forge Mill Chenin Blanc (South Africa) £4.49
4 L'Atelier Viognier (France) £5.29
5 Las Corazas Tempranillo ROSE (Spain) £3.59
6 Las Corazas Tempranillo (Spain) £3.99
7 Murphys Shiraz (Aussie) £5.79
8 Kaapzicht Pinotage (S. Africa) £8.75
"Champagne" 17th July 2007
21 Votes, Simart-Moreau Grand Reserve £18.99 (9 for best value wine, 12 for best wine)
15 Votes, Trouillard nv £15.49 (all 15 votes were for best value)
15 Votes, Simart-Moreau 2000 vintage £19.99 (3 for best value, 12 for best wine)
12 Votes, Gobillard nv £15.49 (all 12 for best value)
12 Votes, Gobillard Privilege de moines £18.99 (1 for best value, 11 for best wine)
10 Votes, Gobillard vintage 2003 rose £18.99 (all 10 for best wine)
5 Votes, Veuve Clicquot nv £29.39 (all 5 for best wine)
4 Votes, Trouillard Elexium nv £16.99 (all 4 for best value wine)
2 Vote, Trouillard blanc de blanc £18.99 (2 for best value wine)
"South African Wines" May 2007
38 Votes, Bon Courage Sauvignon Blanc £6.99
15 Votes, Kaapzicht bin 3 Cab/Merlot £8.25
12 Votes, Paul Cluver Pinot Noir £9.79
11 Votes, Rustenvrede Estate Red £22.99
9 Votes, Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir £17.99
8 Votes Rustenberg John X Merriman £9.99
"Pink Grog" July 2007 Top 5
No.1 Favourite, Champagne Trouillard Elixium Rose £17.49
No.2 Voted Best Value, Las Corazas Tempranillo (Spain) £3.99
No.3 Slowine Pinot Noir (South Africa) £5.99
No.4 Brampton (South Africa)£5.89
No.5 Sarria Garnacha (Spain) £5.29
"Bodegas Fournier, Argentina", May 2007
35 Votes, Urban Tempranillo £5.99
12 Votes, Urban Torrontes £5.59
10 Votes, B-Crux Tempranillo/Merlot/Malbec £12.29
8 Votes, Urban Malbec £5.99
7 Votes, B-Crux Sauvignon Blanc £9.50
6 Votes A-Crux Tempranillo/Merlot/Malbec £17.99
Richard's recommended restaurants in Edinburgh (in no particular order), Outsider, Apartment, Fishers in the city,
David Bann (Vegetarian heaven), Dusit Thai, Fishers (in Leith, worth seeking out), Izzi Japanese...
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