Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Tasting with the 'Bounders' at Laithwaites HQ

Lunch today with Charles Dunstone of Carphone Warehouse, who, it seems, is recruiting - on behalf of The Prince's Trust - entrepreneurs to help disadvantaged young people get themselves on their feet. Very successfully. But help is increasingly needed in these times.

Back at HQ, later, a packed 'Chiller' was the setting for most of the wine enthusiasts (commonly referred to as the 'Bounders') in Laithwaites to share a few bottles. An old tradition making a welcome comeback after too long a gap.

What happens is half a dozen of us pick out a wine they personally enjoy a lot – and which their customers also seem to like – pour them and explain their choices.

The wines:

Domaine Bott Geyl Pinot d'Alsace 2007

'Trazzera' Fiano from Sicily

Artisan 'The Sands Block' Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Château Duthil 2005, Haut Médoc

Chapoutier Rasteau 2009

(The last two aren't online - if you'd like some, you'll have to speak to the sales team.)

They all went down well. But personally I liked the Alsace so much I ordered a case. So did Glenn our new Laithwaites Managing Director. This was his first good look at the most important people in the Company: those the customers know personally … and trust to guide them through the wine maze.

I managed to steal a couple of samples of very top-end Argentine Malbecs from Trapiche while Thomas was out of the building. I am still in awe of what I saw on my recent trip there. They went down extremely well, too.

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