Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the world’s most recognisable grape varieties and grown almost anywhere where there are grape vines. Its origins (probably) lie in a chance 17th Century crossing, somewhere in Western France, between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The great grape of Bordeaux (well, the Left Bank of Bordeaux), much exalted in California, grown all over the New World, principally responsible for the Super-Tuscan phenomenon and creeping into even the most classic blends. Structure, fine tannins, firm curranty fruit, it likes oak, it ages well, it has a widely recognised name – what’s not to like?

Wine Dinner at the River Cafe with Castello del Terriccio

By on 17/11/2012

SOLD OUT On Thursday 13th December we are hosting our final wine dinner of 2012, in one of our favourite dining rooms in London, the private room at the River Café, with the wines of Castello del Terriccio. Patrick Sandeman was the first 'outsider' (not from the estate staff) other than the consultant oenologist Carlo Ferrini, to taste these wines, back in the early '90s.

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Sacrificing wine to the Inca Gods

By on 05/09/2012

Many things have been done to wines over the centuries in the name of improved quality. Much of the world’s best wine, for instance, is poured into oak barrels for various (often surprising) lengths of time. Casks of Madeira used to be shipped to India and back and, even, left out in the rain.

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Bordeaux 2011 – The Weather Report

By on 12/04/2012

For once I think it really helps an understanding of the weather to understand the variation and style of the wines of Bordeaux in 2011 - although nothing is ever completely deterministic and odd surprises still exist. The story of the the 2011 harvest began with the dry Indian summer of 2010, which stayed fine long after this fine harvest was in the cellars.

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