So there I was. A still awkward, slightly rebellious, young, twenty something lawyer. Curious. Assured. Full of hope and expectation. Fresh from 6 years of university and post-grad education. Doing an organised, corporate tour of a winery in 2003. Britain’s oldest commercial vineyard at that. Probably one of only a handful in operation in England…
A DNA for success – Hush Heath Winery
Do you ever stop to think how certain brands become so successful? Like Apple, for instance. The iPhone, the iPad, the Apple Watch, the iMac. All different products. All Apple in their DNA. Bevelled. Beautiful. Revolutionary. Intuitive. Iconic. That Apple logo – a symbol of a brand in all its cuting edge, global-dominating glory. And…
Impressive beginnings for Rathfinny Estate
I must admit, I was left a little awestruck by my eagerly anticipated visit to Rathfinny Estate in November 2018. I felt like I had landed in the Arabian Desert. And had just driven into bejewelled Dubai. Resplendent with every shiny new toy. Gleaming. Corporate. No expense spared. As we approached the uber-trendy new cellar…
The Village Nobody that overcame the odds
It’s a curious thing. The appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) system in France sets the winners and also-rans of French wine. If the yesteryear monks decreed your vineyard a Grand Cru many moons ago, then, today your prized wines are probably the envy of the masses that can’t afford them, and the tipple of choice amongst…
Penfolds 2018 Release
Penfolds. It’s a brand I love to hate. Yet, I truly respect its history, the supreme staff behind the brand, and the exemplary wines they produce. I respect their philiosphy. And the fact they are an iceberg, magnificent, unstoppable, that cruizes against the undercurrents of terrior, of single vineyards, of cottage industry vineyard, family ownership,…
If India made Cocktails
If India made Cocktails, then surely they would smell and taste of sweet, exotic spices and fruits! Like lychees, limes, ginger and spice. This newly released White Blend conjured up such an impression: the Ravensworth Seven Months White Blend 2016 On Vivino and Cellar Tracker I posted the following tasting note when awarding a Wozza 93: What is this?!…
Like The Orient Express!
Should you open a big icon wine early, when it’s had little bottle time? Well. I say: Yes. Especially if you have a few more. And you have a good excuse to open it early. In this case, I picked up the Cullen Margaret River Diana Madeline 2014. I was lucky enough to score one…
Mint Condition
It’s not everyday you get to savour a genuine legendary wine. A wine with over 19 years bottle age from the best of vintages. And a wine that was in mint condition. I say mint condition – not only because it was perfectly cellared. But also because it has that world famous mint flavour. Yes…
Mad-as-a-Barossa-Brush!
When you have so much eager expectation, the fulfilment of it often leaves you feeling one of two ways. Either, it bombs out – leaving you deflated. Or, it delivers – leaving you feeling, well – very fulfilled. After reading rave reviews about Sami-Odi, I quickly scrambled to the panacea for all consumer wants: Google…
Matchmaking Millionaires
Financially successful people often have a shared DNA. They have vision beyond their peers. They take greater risks than many. And, above all, they are lucky. Or, in my Christian mindset, I’d say they are blessed. And they are. They’re blessed in all these ways. This week, I had the pleasure of dining with one…
2blokesintrouble 