Alex's WSET report on Portugal

After great results in her WSET diploma, Alex was awarded a trip to Portugal with Sogrape. She has written a fantastically detailed report on her visit to several Portuguese regions. Here is a snippet below, but follow the link to the WSET website for the full report.

Natalie Maclean gives the Schild Estate GMS 90 points

Natalie Maclean has recently reviewed the Schild Estate GMS on her blog.

Leonardo, Marjan Simcic - the ultimate sweetie

Having our team in Slovenia visiting Marjan Simcic, reminded us in the office of just how amazing the Leonardo wine is! The Sommelier Wine Awards 2012 voted it as the best sweet wine of the competition. An unbelievable wine, named after Marjan's son, Leonardo.

Sommelier Trip to Slovenia and Croatia, by Neil McAndrew

Slovenia and Croatia in 36 hours was always going to be a tall order but we are all ready to go and looking forward to an incredible trip. We are taking a group of clients to see Marjan Simcic and Matosevic in Croatia. The group includes myself and Neb, Isa Bal (Head Sommelier, Fat Duck), Joao Pires (Head Sommelier, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal), Jacques Savary De Beauregard  (Head Sommelier, Home House), Colin Manning (Owner, 60 Hope Street Liverpool), Igor Sotric (Head Sommelier, China Tang at Dorchester) and David Seccombe (General Manager, Christopher’s Covent Garden). 

Olympic Torch passes through Borough

The Olympic torch passed nearby the Bancroft Office this morning and some of the Bancroft team went to offer some support. The pavements were packed with people and there was lots of excitement and cheering. Only one day to go!

Gazpacho Andaluz de Tooting, by Rob Allen

One of the best things to have in your fridge in this un-seasonable snap.

Very easy, if you have a food processor, a mix of Simon the Good Cook’s recipe & Jamie Oliver’s from his Spanish travels.

Tavel Rosé Domaine de la Mordorée receives 93 points from Parker!

Domaine de la Mordorée is a family run domaine based in the Southern Rhone Valley and is often in the press for its great value reds and high quality Chateauneuf. In last month's Wine Advocate however it was the Tavel Rosé La Dame Rousse that tickled Robert Parker's fancy.

Bancroft Team welcome the Olympic torch in Earlsfield

The Olympic torch passed through Earlsfield last night and some of the Bancroft team were out in the sunshine enjoying the atmosphere. No olympic torch in this picture but Rob and Johnny look like they are enjoying themselves!

Bodegas LAN Edicion Limitada 2008 - 93 points from Wine Spectator

Bodegas LAN's Edicion Limitada 2008 has just been awarded 93 points by Wine Spectator.

Hay Shed Hill Cabernet 2010 awarded 96 points by Halliday

James Halliday has recently awarded 96 points to Michael Kerrigan's superb Hay Shed Hill 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon.

A perfect house Pinot Noir, by Sean Burbridge

As a keen wine drinker I am always on the lookout for a good Pinot Noir that doesn’t destroy the finances – I never seem to get bored of Pinot Noir and of all the red wines in my cellar it is the grape variety that I always tend to head for......and therefore, always run out of! So yesterday, looking to stock up, I bought some straight Bourgogne rouge from one of my favourite producers Joseph Roty, and from the wonderful 2009 vintage.

Philippe Roty of Domaine Joseph Roty

Matthew Jukes places Ten Minutes by Tractor in his top 100

The much anticipated 100 Best Australian Wines from Matthew Jukes was recently released and he has included Ten Minutes by Tractor's Estate Pinot.