Tuesday - Decanter Wine Awards dinner in the evening - with Adam (MD), Davina (marketing manager) and Rebecca (commercial buyer) - was good but when you have the first award at 7.30 and the last at 11.15 it can be a long one. I'll return to awards and their effects another time I guess, mixed feelings really but good to see a few people.
Wednesday - tired after a late night but I'd been looking forward to the day for a while as I was spending it with Giles (London On-trade manager) to have a session looking at each others plans for the respective business streams. Even with nearly 11 years at C&B I've never really got involved in the Restaurant side of things so I guess it was just about time for a bit of education. Managed to cram in lunch at The Luxe (Commercial St) which has just opened (on one floor) will be a good venue when fully operational - bar in the basement and "fine" dining up the top.
Thursday - Tasting of a possible new (and potentially exclusive) agency for C&B - can't say who yet but you'll be the first to know, always an exciting time but especially when the wines hit the spot. Just before the Staff summer party managed to cram in a tasting of the Tattinger Champagne range which was good and not something I have done before - the style in general is very balanced. The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1998 was a lovely nutty Meursault like Champagne that would be great with food, not a long term keeper I feel but very good now and over the next few years. The Staff party was a good laugh, held at the C&B Bar at Jewry Street - there are supposed to be some photos, will post any interesting ones.
Friday - Release of the latest Giacomo Conterno wines - Barbera 2007 and Barolo Cascina Francia 2005 - I like to think Roberto Conterno (the winemaker, owner, manager) is "the" man in Barolo making "old school" Barolo (i.e. big old barrels for a long time rather than small new oak barrels). I much prefer this more traditional style, Nebbiolo is very different from Pinot Noir in character/taste but it has a similar tendencies to be spoiled by over oaking I think. The other similarity, other than pale colour, is a very good tendency to portray the characteristics of its location i.e. terroir. Friday also saw Kieran Fallon return to the saddle after three years - a very talented jockey and good to see him back.
Saturday - Rugby season really under way, last warm up games before the league starts next saturday. Australia beat the Springboks which generally has to be good for the very young Aussie side. No bets on the racing or Rugby, decided to keep the powder dry!
Sunday....not sure yet that's where I am now! Roast Chicken later so the great Red vs White wine decision to be made.
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