Australia
My wine career started at Oddbins in 2000. I loved Oddbins’ culture of curiosity and passion about wine, and it was a context in which I thrived, as did Australian wine with a then unparalleled range of regionally distinct wines, with many from boutique producers with whom I was in regular contact. Without exception, I found them to be driven by a love of what they do and a culture of excellence…
Click here to read more and view the reports
The Loire
My defining moment with wine came during an introduction to wine tasting course when I tasted my first really mature wine – Moulin Touchais 1986. The capacity of wine to change and develop complexity over time captured my imagination. And why had I never heard of this wine or Chenin Blanc before? I realised that there was much more to wine than meets the eye and felt compelled to investigate further!
Click here to read more and view the reports
Portugal
You could be forgiven for thinking that Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc rule the world. So what joy that Portugal has a glittering array of over 300 native grape varieties planted across some thirty wine regions, spread from head to toe. The result: a rich kaleidoscope of unique flavours, textures and aromas. And right now, Portugal is really exciting because winemaking…
Click here to read more and view the reports
South Africa
My love affair with South African wines started when I managed Oddbins Fine Wine in the City. We had a small but perfectly formed list including wines from Boekenhoutskloof, whose iconic reputation was secured by winemaker Marc Kent’s maiden 1997 Syrah and, on the cusp of meteoric success, Eben Sadie’s maiden Syrah/Mourvedre blend, Columella 2000…
Click here to read more and view the reports
Other
For me, wine is so exciting because it’s a living, breathing thing – it evolves over time, it’s affected by variety, vintage and region, even the occasion when we taste it. Interesting and seductive, how can anyone resist it in all its many guises. And I am no exception, so though I focus on wines from Australia, the Loire, Portugal and South Africa, I also undertake other vinous missions…
Click here to read more and view the reports
