Is the large format of a lamb a sheep?

The debate about food and wine pairing is an interesting and potentially very enjoyable one, especially when debated with a loaded fork. To celebrate A La Cruz's ability to slow cook entire beasts over their unique-to-the-UK Asador, directors Roberto Jellinek & John Rattagan invited me to choose my favourite Luigi Bosca wines to accompany their Argentinean food. The menu included a starter of provolone cheese, beef empanada and sweetbreads (aka thymus gland, yum!), first course fillet of beef & rib eye followed by the main event, a whole, slow roasted lamb. To match the entire lamb, I chose a magnum of Gala 2 2008 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot), thinking the ripeness and roundness of the fruit would marry up with the delicious sweetness of the meat and that the polished, integrated tannins would not jar with the fat, much of which would be rendered off over the fire.

The Wig & Mitre Wine Club launch, Lincoln

The Wig & Mitre is a fantastic little pub/restaurant in Lincoln that I have dealt with for many years. Although I love it when I visit the beautiful Lincoln, it does take a while to calm one’s nerves after having to put up with the tribulations of the A47 and then the dreaded A17 en route, where tractors and belligerent lorry drivers consider a short bit of dual carriageway is an ideal time to attempt to overtake each other with the difference in speed being 2mph!

Anthony Barton Dinner - the tasting notes

Six wonderful wines from Anthony Barton's cellars in Bordeaux. Here are Alex's tasting notes on the wines we tried on Wednesday: 

A year in the life of Hay Shed Hill - in pictures

As Jason enjoys his visit to see Michael Kerrigan we thought we would give you all a quick peak at the wonderful Hay Shed Hill winery. This clip includes images throughout the year at the winery.

Jason’s trip to Hay Shed Hill (Margaret River, Western Australia)

A few days travelling around the Margaret River region in WA has increased my already high expectations of the Margaret River wines but more so for the reputation, energy and wine making prowess of a certain Michael Kerrigan. Michael was formerly winemaker for Mad Fish and Howard Park, which are big names in Oz as well as the UK, but since leaving their employment to begin a venture of his own Michael has continued to be one of the strong forces in a wine making region that Australians regard as highly as the French do Champagne or Bordeaux.