Nine o'clock in the morning at 'The Worx'; a sort of studio complex in Parson's Green. There, near his home, because it increased the chances of JMS being on time. (He's French). About forty people and a hundred wines. (This was round two). Some renowned tasters. Thanks to:
Hugh Johnson
Michael Cox
Christelle Guibert
Alessandro Marchesan
Christine Parkisnon
Claire Hu
Gabby Savage
Lynne Sherriff
John Worontschak
And the others for giving their time. Tastings like this are much harder than they sound
But it all went smoothly. No fighting this year. Results ... sorry, embargo-ed!
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Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Had a Board Meeting in a funny room that overlooked London's Chinatown.
Through the windows you really do see people doing morning exercises and playing Mah-jong. We always have Board Meetings in different places. My Directors believe it helps keep me awake.
After we went even further east to Fish Island to lunch with our friend Lance at H.Forman the oldest smokery in Britain, now re-located (forcibly) to a new salmon pink building with a magnificent view of the new Olympic Arena.
We need to be nice to Lance because he'll have the best tables available in 2012. He already has a discrete little restaurant in the smokery. You have to be keen on salmon, but they do some other stuff too ... From their Forman and Field Catalogue. Worth a Google.
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After we went even further east to Fish Island to lunch with our friend Lance at H.Forman the oldest smokery in Britain, now re-located (forcibly) to a new salmon pink building with a magnificent view of the new Olympic Arena.
We need to be nice to Lance because he'll have the best tables available in 2012. He already has a discrete little restaurant in the smokery. You have to be keen on salmon, but they do some other stuff too ... From their Forman and Field Catalogue. Worth a Google.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Monday, 25 January 2010
I have long believed that I am, in fact, the model for that David Brent in 'The Office'.
I did, after all run an office in Slough and do believe myself to be a cool dancer. Now that they have a camera at the Reading Town Hall event and project images on the big screen ... I KNOW I am David Brent! Arghh! Left early. And scuttled away from the Gloucester do a week later too. But both were terrific parties. (It's how we ensure our people work so hard and remain so delightful ... Good parties.)
Excellent wines of course; we drank:
Homestead Brut
Split Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, New Zealand
Masseria Cavallo Verdeca Chardonnay 2008, Puglia IGT, Italy
Opi Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
Finca las Rejas, Spain
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Excellent wines of course; we drank:
Homestead Brut
Split Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, New Zealand
Masseria Cavallo Verdeca Chardonnay 2008, Puglia IGT, Italy
Opi Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
Finca las Rejas, Spain
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
With Clare in the Medoc
Up early, mad rush to Blaye to catch the ferry - just - over the Gironde to the Medoc; 20 mins to Lamarque, in the dark. But it's warmed up a bit. Signs passing; Cussac Lannessan, Beychevelle (they say is for sale... again), Anthony Barton's Leoville and Lascasses, Gloria, Latour, Lynch Bages and its Village Bages, shut alas, so a coffee croissant on the harbour in Pauillac.
To the Merlaut family's Gruaud Larose. I remember the '72! Cordier. Had just started the Sunday Times Wine Club. Selling mostly unknown country wines, when ... the fine wine market collapsed. Suddenly we were buying this and other great clarets literally by the truckload, sticking on a fiver a case and selling the lot in hours. Amazing episode. Happy customers.
It's a Big estate. 42,000 cases 80 hectares. The '09 amazing already. Melted tannins. The 'Well behaved vintage' they are calling it. No stuck ferments or malo problems.
On to Talbot
Second wines. Memories of The Dinner last June. The magnums of '69!
Always very popular with our customers. Warm reception from Jean-Pierre Marly. We are the first buyers visiting.
Robert Parker's visiting in March to taste the 09's. And 07's. He wants re-assess. He should. There are some delightful 07's now.
To Pichon Longueville
'08 lovely
'07 also lovely smaller wine but all in the right proportions. Not at all mean.
'06 nicer than I remembered.
'05 wow. This'll take a long time. The big wines are the best but tire you when drunk young. You can only drink them on real 'occasions'. Otherwise you waste them.
'04 really lovely sweet little thing
'03 a tough mother. Burns you.
Pontet Canet
All so very natural ... they have four horses now. Alfred Tesseron is a hero. My favourite Medoc now.
Lynch Bages
Jean-Michel away, pity. He's long been the brightest star round here.
Les Ormes de Pez 08 – Serious.
Echo de Lynch Bages 08 – clever name; Echo, it is just that; identical to the Grand Vin, just fainter.
Lynch Bages 08 – amazing nose of distillery and floral things. Sturdy construction.
Buy a few cases of Blanc de Lynch Bages.
Back to base. Evening at La Clarière with JMS, Mark, two happy chaps from IT, and a couple of winemakers from Calatyud. JMS promised a quiet evening, just a little fish. He lied. Again.
Morning flew home no thanks to France's dreadful Air Traffic Controllers.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
To the Merlaut family's Gruaud Larose. I remember the '72! Cordier. Had just started the Sunday Times Wine Club. Selling mostly unknown country wines, when ... the fine wine market collapsed. Suddenly we were buying this and other great clarets literally by the truckload, sticking on a fiver a case and selling the lot in hours. Amazing episode. Happy customers.
It's a Big estate. 42,000 cases 80 hectares. The '09 amazing already. Melted tannins. The 'Well behaved vintage' they are calling it. No stuck ferments or malo problems.
On to Talbot
Second wines. Memories of The Dinner last June. The magnums of '69!
Always very popular with our customers. Warm reception from Jean-Pierre Marly. We are the first buyers visiting.
Robert Parker's visiting in March to taste the 09's. And 07's. He wants re-assess. He should. There are some delightful 07's now.
To Pichon Longueville
'08 lovely
'07 also lovely smaller wine but all in the right proportions. Not at all mean.
'06 nicer than I remembered.
'05 wow. This'll take a long time. The big wines are the best but tire you when drunk young. You can only drink them on real 'occasions'. Otherwise you waste them.
'04 really lovely sweet little thing
'03 a tough mother. Burns you.
Pontet Canet
All so very natural ... they have four horses now. Alfred Tesseron is a hero. My favourite Medoc now.
Lynch Bages
Jean-Michel away, pity. He's long been the brightest star round here.
Les Ormes de Pez 08 – Serious.
Echo de Lynch Bages 08 – clever name; Echo, it is just that; identical to the Grand Vin, just fainter.
Lynch Bages 08 – amazing nose of distillery and floral things. Sturdy construction.
Buy a few cases of Blanc de Lynch Bages.
Back to base. Evening at La Clarière with JMS, Mark, two happy chaps from IT, and a couple of winemakers from Calatyud. JMS promised a quiet evening, just a little fish. He lied. Again.
Morning flew home no thanks to France's dreadful Air Traffic Controllers.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Monday, 18 January 2010
This morning, still very cold. Put on two more layers of wool.
Tasted all this year's Chai whites - "best Sauvignon this century" says JMS as he does every year. But this year think he's right. Extra pungent after long, sunny-but-not-hot summer.
Thankfully tasting was moved from brass-monkey Chai to almost warm La Clariere.
Then it was lunch at Pape Clement; magificent chateau in the suburbs at Pessac. It's the HQ of the equally magnificent Bernard Magrez; now 74, sharp as a razor, still gushing out idea after idea whilst his Jeeves shimmies about dispensing heavenly morsels.
I made a fuss about my 40th year in business. Bernard's way past his 50th! Local boy but no silver-spoon, started, washing bottles, chez Cordier, now has 37 estates around the world! A phenomenon. He's the one reponsible for Gerard Depardieu doing so much in wine; they jointly own several Chateaux. More recently he's got together with Joël 'more-Michelin-stars-than-anyone-ever' Rebuchon.
We might work together too. Bernard will be our first guest when we open Laithwaites new London cellars in Vinopolis.
Then it's over to Christian Moueix - ultra charming as ever - and Edouard. Much excitement about '09. Christian - who remembers everything - says he's already been drinking '09's for lunch - even Petrus - something he's not done since '82! It's one of those rare instantly-likeable vintages.
Then we head off to Christophe Reboul-Salz's Chateau Gigault. We sell his Grands Marechaux. Found it with some difficulty in the pitch dark. Roaring fires, lovely old house. Used to be a coaching inn. Marie cooked scallops (with sliver of truffle) and an Auvergnat (they're from there) dish of potatoes and lamb, while Christophe opened a 1970 Larciss Ducasse, Palmer '96 and Pontet Canet. Up to bed thinking that I agree with Monsieur Magrez; "Retire? From this 'job'. You must be kidding!".
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Thankfully tasting was moved from brass-monkey Chai to almost warm La Clariere.
Then it was lunch at Pape Clement; magificent chateau in the suburbs at Pessac. It's the HQ of the equally magnificent Bernard Magrez; now 74, sharp as a razor, still gushing out idea after idea whilst his Jeeves shimmies about dispensing heavenly morsels.
I made a fuss about my 40th year in business. Bernard's way past his 50th! Local boy but no silver-spoon, started, washing bottles, chez Cordier, now has 37 estates around the world! A phenomenon. He's the one reponsible for Gerard Depardieu doing so much in wine; they jointly own several Chateaux. More recently he's got together with Joël 'more-Michelin-stars-than-anyone-ever' Rebuchon.
We might work together too. Bernard will be our first guest when we open Laithwaites new London cellars in Vinopolis.
Then it's over to Christian Moueix - ultra charming as ever - and Edouard. Much excitement about '09. Christian - who remembers everything - says he's already been drinking '09's for lunch - even Petrus - something he's not done since '82! It's one of those rare instantly-likeable vintages.
Then we head off to Christophe Reboul-Salz's Chateau Gigault. We sell his Grands Marechaux. Found it with some difficulty in the pitch dark. Roaring fires, lovely old house. Used to be a coaching inn. Marie cooked scallops (with sliver of truffle) and an Auvergnat (they're from there) dish of potatoes and lamb, while Christophe opened a 1970 Larciss Ducasse, Palmer '96 and Pontet Canet. Up to bed thinking that I agree with Monsieur Magrez; "Retire? From this 'job'. You must be kidding!".
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Morning filming at Le Chai.
Am afraid all are going to be subjected, in the middle of some perfectly pleasant programme on TV, to this grinning idiot suddenly popping up saying "Hi! I'm Tony Laithwaite; you must buy my wine, blah blah blah". I apologise in advance.
Just entertain yourselves with the thought that it was a sensational minus seven degrees still, with ice floes on the river, when I performed that. I'm hopeless at it, so have to repeat for hours while the director wouldn't let me wear a coat or move even an inch. Cold? Note the blue face!
Never has the steaming, sweaty atmosphere of the 'Voyageurs' OAP's room- behind-the-kitchen been more delightful. Pork and chips.
Then, P.M. we blind-tasted our way though as many '09 Castillons as we could get hold of - it's a fantastically good vintage all round. Wasn't unhappy when the wine all of us scored highest turned out to be 'Le Presbytere'. After that a few beers with Henry, JMS, Mark and the winemakers at Le Comptoir St Genes, Anne Marie kindly opened up the kitchens (they shut Jan/Feb).
Forty of us and growers sat down for dinner. Duck again, but not complaining. Everyone had to try everyone else's wine - again. So another late night.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Just entertain yourselves with the thought that it was a sensational minus seven degrees still, with ice floes on the river, when I performed that. I'm hopeless at it, so have to repeat for hours while the director wouldn't let me wear a coat or move even an inch. Cold? Note the blue face!
Never has the steaming, sweaty atmosphere of the 'Voyageurs' OAP's room- behind-the-kitchen been more delightful. Pork and chips.
Then, P.M. we blind-tasted our way though as many '09 Castillons as we could get hold of - it's a fantastically good vintage all round. Wasn't unhappy when the wine all of us scored highest turned out to be 'Le Presbytere'. After that a few beers with Henry, JMS, Mark and the winemakers at Le Comptoir St Genes, Anne Marie kindly opened up the kitchens (they shut Jan/Feb).
Forty of us and growers sat down for dinner. Duck again, but not complaining. Everyone had to try everyone else's wine - again. So another late night.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Sunday, left home 9.30 a.m.
At Gatwick about to board plane to Bordeaux when ... flight cancelled!
Rushed instead over to Amsterdam to wait around, then on to Bordeaux.
Teensy problem when one of the plane's flap's jammed coming into land. Round and round up and down, we flew; aerobatics to loosen it ... and empty the tanks, I guess. Prayed a lot! Did land eventually, but minus a bag, so more hassle. Arrived Ste Colombe midnight! But did I mention I was travelling with five girls? So not all bad.
Minus seven degrees, it was, with snow - dodgy roads, so they all stayed with me and we lit a huge fire, warmed up jars of duck Confit and a few bottles of good Castillon. Celebrated being alive and not in an airport!
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Rushed instead over to Amsterdam to wait around, then on to Bordeaux.
Teensy problem when one of the plane's flap's jammed coming into land. Round and round up and down, we flew; aerobatics to loosen it ... and empty the tanks, I guess. Prayed a lot! Did land eventually, but minus a bag, so more hassle. Arrived Ste Colombe midnight! But did I mention I was travelling with five girls? So not all bad.
Minus seven degrees, it was, with snow - dodgy roads, so they all stayed with me and we lit a huge fire, warmed up jars of duck Confit and a few bottles of good Castillon. Celebrated being alive and not in an airport!
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Email from our new buyer
Hello Tony,
A quick hello from Romania, where it seems that there's less snow than there is in UK!
This was my first time and it's been a fabulous trip - really interesting. The people and the wines are great; we were in Dealu Mare yesterday (in the snow covered vineyards) tasting Feteasca Regala and Feteasca Neagra (as well as the usual suspects of course!), and we were in Transylvania last night and this morning tasting the new vintage of our La Cittadella Pinot Grigio.
Here they've also been producing Fizz since 1892 and they still do manual remuage, disgorgement and labelling! It's incredible! It would be great if you could make it out here if you have the time at some point.
Just off to Budapest now, where it's likely I'm going to get stranded by the weather in London!
Hope all is well in UK and the snow's not being too much of a pain! See you soon.
Becca
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A quick hello from Romania, where it seems that there's less snow than there is in UK!
Here they've also been producing Fizz since 1892 and they still do manual remuage, disgorgement and labelling! It's incredible! It would be great if you could make it out here if you have the time at some point.
Just off to Budapest now, where it's likely I'm going to get stranded by the weather in London!
Hope all is well in UK and the snow's not being too much of a pain! See you soon.
Becca
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Monday, 11 January 2010
Seems we do have customers holidaying in Barbados and Cyprus.
Try http://www.winebarbados.com/ And http://www.winesoftheworlddirect.com.cy/ if you are on either island.
They both have a lot of our wines and can tell you where you can drink them.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
They both have a lot of our wines and can tell you where you can drink them.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Friday, 8 January 2010
Oh! to be in ...... Barbados, or any warm island now that winter's here.
If you happen to be in Barbados a) I hate you and b) did you know you can get Laithwaites wines in many a watering hole there? And Laithwaites Sauvignon's been available in Trinidad for years. And in Cyprus there's a shop that sells only Laithwaites wines (plus one rather nice Cypriot red). OK so this is of marginal interest to you. But right now I just like writing about warm places I'd like to be.
Taste loss
I lost my taste over Christmas. Most years, Dec 25, I lose my temper but this year it was different.... and I got really worried when everything started tasting bad. Turned out I had 'a bug'. It's now gone (I'll skip the details) and I'm OK again. But I worried.
I shouldn't have done. I should have remembered what Prof Peynaud told us in his tasting course at Bordeaux University; 'Mes Amis, you must never forget that if a wine tastes 'off' it is more likely it is you that is 'off' than it is the wine that is 'off'. (He had a touch of Poirot, did Le Prof.)
It was Le Prof who persuaded me - with a little trick - that I should always mistrust my own palate. I don't always. But I should. Human palates are pathetically weak and unreliable. Mine sure was over Christmas but I promise you it's firing normally again.
We get returns from customers; "This wine is OFF!!!" We refund of course. We never quibble. Why would we? It's only a few bottles. But mostly, after, we end up drinking the wine ourselves. Someone should do a study on wines that are "OFF"! And bugs, moods, emotions and effects on taste buds. Run a few tests. Be interesting.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Taste loss
I lost my taste over Christmas. Most years, Dec 25, I lose my temper but this year it was different.... and I got really worried when everything started tasting bad. Turned out I had 'a bug'. It's now gone (I'll skip the details) and I'm OK again. But I worried.
I shouldn't have done. I should have remembered what Prof Peynaud told us in his tasting course at Bordeaux University; 'Mes Amis, you must never forget that if a wine tastes 'off' it is more likely it is you that is 'off' than it is the wine that is 'off'. (He had a touch of Poirot, did Le Prof.)
It was Le Prof who persuaded me - with a little trick - that I should always mistrust my own palate. I don't always. But I should. Human palates are pathetically weak and unreliable. Mine sure was over Christmas but I promise you it's firing normally again.
We get returns from customers; "This wine is OFF!!!" We refund of course. We never quibble. Why would we? It's only a few bottles. But mostly, after, we end up drinking the wine ourselves. Someone should do a study on wines that are "OFF"! And bugs, moods, emotions and effects on taste buds. Run a few tests. Be interesting.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Happy New Year
Been hard to write anything since my birthday (22/12) that didn't involve snow. You probably don't want to read about snow. I don't. But constant commuting between Chilterns and Cumbria is just snow!
And now Jean Marc, in Moldava just text'd me. About snow. Two metres. Always exaggerates! And a new Sauvignon he wants "to rub on everyone chest". Another Vodka lunch probably. And Gerry the writer just emails pics from Illinois. Of snow.
Maybe there'll be something else tomorrow. Happy New Year again.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
And now Jean Marc, in Moldava just text'd me. About snow. Two metres. Always exaggerates! And a new Sauvignon he wants "to rub on everyone chest". Another Vodka lunch probably. And Gerry the writer just emails pics from Illinois. Of snow.
Maybe there'll be something else tomorrow. Happy New Year again.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
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