Oaked Sauvignons from around the World

A blind tasting of oaked Sauvignons from around the world on the 3rd July at London Cru, organised by Jean-Christophe Mau and Richard Bampfield MW was a welcome opportunity to revisit West London's 'flavour of the month' venue, as well, of course, to taste an interesting and perhaps overlooked category. Richard's invitation proposed that: " as Sauvignon Blanc is so ubiquitous and producers will need to work harder to add value and create their points of difference in future, the use of oak will become more widespread". The tasting was very well attended; all the luminaries of the world of wine journalism were there (including me), so there must be something to Richard's assertion. I think we have become submerged in the overpoweringly citrus and fruit-some (Marlborough, mainly, but not exclusively) unoaked version, to the exclusion of the more traditional, complex perhaps, version.

Entries for Harpers Global Design Awards extended to August 22

The deadline to enter this  year's Harpers Global Design Awards has been extended by a week and now closes on August 22.

COPY: CP's Tweets of the week

The Claret Pimpernel scoured Twitter to find that conjured a smile or staight up caused a laugh out loud moment.

Twenty-five years of Australian Sauvignon Blanc with Shaw + Smith

Following this year's win of three trophies including Best Australian Red at the International Wine Challenge for Shaw + Smith 2012 Shiraz, the team are celebrating their 25th Sauvignon Blanc vintage release.

Gilbert Winfield AIWS, BSc

My Choice: Mike Beavan of Coe Vintners on drinking Riesling with Aerosmith

 Mike Beavan, sales director at Coe Vintners, steps up to the plate to give his run down of faovurite wines and spirits and where he likes to drink them.

"Where am I?" Well Nyetimber, of course!

Guy Smith was particuarly well placed to win our recent "Where Am I?" picture caption competion which asked you to name where this very pretty back garden happened to be.

Have we gone too far? Wine ice cream is the sherry on top.

The Claret Pimpernel recently spotted wine ice cream on the shelves of a local shop and so sparked an idea to investigate further this concept - how prolific is the world of ice cream and booze?

Would you want to share a pint with Tom Jones?

"Don't spill your wine, Del Boy!"

As we today publish our new exclusive report in to the UK on-trade, we thought it was also a good excuse to brighten up your Friday afternoon with this trip down memory lane and that comedy goal moment when Del Boy has that rather embarrassing moment when he disappears behind the bar.

Spitoon

Humphrey Bogart's Real English Gin set for US launch

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." Humphery Bogart as Rick Blaine, Casablanca.

Chief of the week: Bob Rishworth

Fine wine Bordeaux doesnt need to be too expensive

Simple advice to grab fine wine at fair prices

Where am I?

The Claret Pimpernel is lucky enough to visit some pretty darn smart places around the world, but few can match this place!

Consumers will drink cheap wine until the trade convinces them to do otherwise, warns Jerry Lockspeiser

The UK wine trade should stop lamenting the fact the average consumer is looking to buy cheaper wine and work harder to convince them to do otherwise, according to leading wine consultant Jerry Lockspeiser.

Your chance to see Jude Law put on his dancing shoes for new Johnnie Walker Blue film

Last month we gave you a sneak preview of British heart throb Jude Law's new new short film promoting Johnnie Walker Blue Label and now here is the real thing in all its glory.

Would you care for some Jimi Hendrix with your glass Sir?

As if the wine trade wasn't already overloaded with BS, it seems the latest fad is wine and music pairing.

Taste test: Skouras Saint George (Aghiorghitiko), Nemea 2011

An elegant red from Greece which hints at better things to come

Breast (and bottle) is best at Brasserie Blanc

We all know how madly competitive the restaurant world can be with seemingly every trick in the book being deployed to entice customers in through the door.