Amazingly this is the first time I have ever done any actually thinking about what I do. What I mean is I don't think...just write. ("Not an academic are you, Laithwaite"? Said the old Headmaster).
The words just come out. I don't have a formula and I've never tried to teach. Working with our young people, up to now my habit was to shout "Just bloody do it!"
By Simon says I must reform and encourage the others.
It was a very amicable morning. Helped by four wines we worked on; La Nantais, the Muscadet vs. Perla del Mar; Pamela Geddes' seafood wine, Madame F Languedoc vs. Barrel Monkey McLaren Vale.
There was agreement that we should do less of the floral tasting notes, (because wines taste different to everyone anyway) but more of telling the story of the wine and its maker.
After a spell in the tasting room with Justin and Thomas, leap in car to whizz down to Gloucester with Simon. The 'Rocketman' was talking to me, running the business on the phone, memorising his speech and checking traffic conditions ahead, all the way. Tiring just to listen.
At our cellars the party is set up in the car park, Simon does his end-of-year speech, (half in Polish!) I do my thanks all round to our crowd there - who do run a vitually faultless service on phones, packing and despatching.
Then the South African BBQ team open up and the wine flows, but.... immediately Rocketman drags me back to the car for another mad dash. He's got a plane to catch, I get thrown out as we flash past Theale, to get in my own car and dash on to 'Barbaracherry' Vineyard at Wyfold to cook a paella for the evening's work party.
Frantic stirring, ready - just - as they all stumble out of the vines thirsty and starving. Lovely party number 2. I stay for this one. They open the first bottle of Wyfold. The 2006. Justin and Thomas give it the nod. I think it's lovely... of course, it's my wife's! No, really is good! (But Laithwaites don't sell it! Not enough of it.) If anyone wants some though (£17.99) they have to talk to Barbara or Cherry. I can pass messages on. Or it's sales@wyfoldvineyard.com
Note to all customers in the Gloucester area. Whilst we don't have a shop at Gloucester because our lease for some odd reason forbids it, you are very welcome to collect orders from the Cellars. The address is Laithwaites Wine, Hurricane Road, Gloucester Business Park, Gloucester GL3 4AQ. The hours are 10.30 to 18.30. The phone number that will ensure the door is charmingly opened for you is 01452 651970 and the password is "Tony sent me".
It's a big place, you can't miss it. They are excessively friendly. Tours can be arranged. There's nowhere else you can see so much wine! And you save on delivery. Pass it on. Take your friends.
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
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