tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.comments2016-07-03T10:59:59.908-07:00simon says:Simon O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10944144832414040484noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-62326163661724715242014-11-08T09:06:44.026-08:002014-11-08T09:06:44.026-08:00I am a fan of French Wines and generally would pre...I am a fan of French Wines and generally would prefer to drink a European wine over sweeter New World wines. Sometimes you can pay more simply because of the caché of the wine coming from France, so at the price they are selling this for it does feel like a good deal. Agreed that it is not too complex but it is fruity and rich enough to be a satisfactory Cotes Du Rhone. I would say that that I have noticed that upon opening that it is ever so slightly fizzy, as though it has not quite finished its fermentation, and this seems to vary from bottle to bottle, but to back up a point made by Simon that it does improve by leaving it to breathe for a while, and actually if you're not sharing it around, it's better the second day after opening so long as you have left the cork in and stored it in a cool dark place. An interesting and lively little number and a treat for those of us without a huge budget to spend :) Zandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-39093304884747375872014-04-25T01:03:10.794-07:002014-04-25T01:03:10.794-07:00Totally agree, just picked up a bottle last night ...Totally agree, just picked up a bottle last night when rushing around the shop and was pleasantly surprised. A great midweek wineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-44031246988800619932014-03-10T08:22:46.669-07:002014-03-10T08:22:46.669-07:00Drinking may have different effects on people. Som...Drinking may have different effects on people. Some may feel elated after having a bottle or two. Others use it to cope up with heavy burdens in their heart. However, the abuse of drinking alcohol is always present whenever a person ingests too much of it. One or two bottles may lead to consecutive nights spent at the bar, wasting away and intoxicating one's self. It may actually be a common sight for a lot of people. And if control can't handle the situation, then maybe it's time to seek professional help. Thanks for sharing! :) <br /><br /><a href="http://instforaddictmo.blogspot.com/2014/02/understanding-dangers-of-drug-dependence.html" rel="nofollow">Scott McKinney</a>Scott McKinneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13400796819794145196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-65559764675003098692014-02-17T07:05:50.292-08:002014-02-17T07:05:50.292-08:00Me and a couple of the guys enjoy draught tetleys ...Me and a couple of the guys enjoy draught tetleys every lunch, just off mill hill lane. Its good news the building is being put to good use :)Driveways Leedshttp://drivewaysinleeds.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-36762137284836120252014-02-03T15:25:49.452-08:002014-02-03T15:25:49.452-08:00A handpulled pint of Tetleys bitter is pretty hard...A handpulled pint of Tetleys bitter is pretty hard to beat. Making use of the old brewery rather than knocking it down is a great idea and I hope it suceeds.Stuarte Hateleyhttp://www.stanningleyfiresides.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-13351129873325162772013-12-20T06:20:21.882-08:002013-12-20T06:20:21.882-08:00I thought it was good too. If people were slagging...I thought it was good too. If people were slagging it off for being overly-simple then why were they watching it at all!? They're clearly not the target market for the show. <br /><br />In fact, they should be thanking the BBC for introducing a new audience to wine as they will develop their knowledge and become the discerning palates of tomorrow. Julia@ Julia Bailey Winehttp://www.juliabaileywine.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-19370794283778608212013-12-20T06:13:43.020-08:002013-12-20T06:13:43.020-08:00I reckon the enthusiasts all have their ideal TV s...I reckon the enthusiasts all have their ideal TV show in their heads. When something that could have been it, but isn't, comes on, there's a painful dissonance and a resulting howl of rage.The Beer Nuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14105708522526153528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-65325769388763345672013-06-22T08:49:02.573-07:002013-06-22T08:49:02.573-07:00Thanks for the comment.
I've not had this for...Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />I've not had this for a while so glad to hear it's still on form.<br /><br />I agree - the ideal simple kind of a wine for a barbecue or party where people are wanting to chat rather than think too much about the wine.Simon OHarehttp://simonohare.blogspot.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-25220120272630462382013-06-16T10:42:44.639-07:002013-06-16T10:42:44.639-07:00Agreed - almost a year on this is still available ...Agreed - almost a year on this is still available at under £4 and I 'd say is great to take a summer party when no-one is too bothered about the quality but you want a good, easy-drinking wine that will stand up to a bit crated food off the barbecue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-13412687475837712282013-01-15T04:21:58.705-08:002013-01-15T04:21:58.705-08:00Just chanced upon your post while doing some resea...Just chanced upon your post while doing some research for a blog (I write about tea). Glad to hear you've been converted! I'll pop by again soon :)Helenhttp://www.metro-deco.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-78824288715971824482012-08-21T03:27:37.276-07:002012-08-21T03:27:37.276-07:00Thanks both for your comments.
Anyone who's r...Thanks both for your comments.<br /><br />Anyone who's read this post and would like to read more about the subject should head over to Wine Woman Song, here: http://www.winewomansong.co.uk/index.php/2012/08/wine-riot/Simon OHarehttp://simonohare.blogspot.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-90244684867089980182012-08-20T08:12:18.492-07:002012-08-20T08:12:18.492-07:00HI
Another good analysis, but it costs generally t...HI<br />Another good analysis, but it costs generally the same to see Batman as it does My Little Arthouse and in general, the knocking of featuring big brands is less to do with saving the planet as it is to do with saving small business. I rarely buy meat in the supermarket(local butcher instead), I buy British beer and would happily pay a bit more for a pint of milk to help the farmers. If my favourite cheeses were all British (which they are not) I'd probably stick to the UK for that too.<br />The point is to encourage someone prepared to spend their 7.19 on wine to spend it on a small producer in a small shop, because the big boys can take care of themselves.Winerackdhttp://www.aroundwine.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-37864856172724024382012-08-20T06:41:39.950-07:002012-08-20T06:41:39.950-07:00Hi Simon,
I agree with your points here.
Ultim...Hi Simon, <br /><br />I agree with your points here. <br /><br />Ultimately, I think it's important to have this debate and start thinking more about what we consume. At least, think and try to do your best. And ask our media what their position is as the people who are recommending it. I don't think it is too much to ask of our media. <br /><br />Also, thanks for your post, there are some great points in here which I have taken on board and will think about further. <br /><br />Best wishes, Jmwinewomansonghttp://www.winewomansong.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-3330628520211555592012-07-17T07:05:25.450-07:002012-07-17T07:05:25.450-07:00I'd like to see supermarkets forced to adverti...I'd like to see supermarkets forced to advertise price increases as prominently as so-called savings or reductions, but really it's a ridiculous idea that could never work.<br /><br />One of the most subtle ones I've seen is last Christmas a supermarket advertising Christmas puddings as "The same price as last year!", while the puddings on offer were 100g (20%) smaller.Owenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05627935587028291077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-46416165601257142692012-03-15T15:15:51.972-07:002012-03-15T15:15:51.972-07:00Thanks for the comment Chris.
I agree, the fact s...Thanks for the comment Chris.<br /><br />I agree, the fact scores seem to come only within that really narrow band does seem odd.<br /><br />Like I suggest in the post, I reckon scoring wines out of 100 when you're tasting say 60 within a couple of hours or so is understandable, but I just think scores aren't necessarily very helpful for the majority of consumers, who don't realise you can't compare scores from different critics like-for-like.Simon OHarehttp://simonohare.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-51306430733665751362012-03-14T08:22:26.719-07:002012-03-14T08:22:26.719-07:00Does 86 really equate to poor? I thought 86 in thi...Does 86 really equate to poor? I thought 86 in this case was poor in the main, because it was a £475 bottle?<br /><br />I used to be a member of the wine gang. I approached Tom Cannavan about their 100 point scoring system, as I felt it was terribly confusing for the consumer. They medal their wines gold, silver, bronze - bronze starting at 85. The view here being that if you pay £5 for a bronze, it's a decent enough wine - but if you pay £50 for a bronze - not so. Their medals go up in increments of five or so from 85.<br /><br />The striking thing he told me is that the 100 points score is really a 30 point score. If there is a technical fault with the wine, it doesn't score. If there is no technical fault with the wine, you then start at 70 and work your way up. They've had a few sub 85 point wines on their site that they've suggested would be good at knocking back at a party or early lunch, but nothing you'd want to cellar.<br /><br />It seems strange that critics are really only scoring out of 15 and even though they regularly do it blind - once they know what the wine is, the price can then affect their judgement of it. <br /><br />Surely this also allows wine makers and supermarkets to pass off "average" wines by just putting the numbers on - like tailoring quotes on film adverts. How many people buy wines on medals - how many people assume 85 is a great score? If you were to compare it to your exam history, 85 out of 100 is the stuff of braniacs - not average results, that could be good depending on the price you pay.Chris Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09803075270046105597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-30545008469768609132011-08-16T13:20:46.925-07:002011-08-16T13:20:46.925-07:00Thanks for the comment Juel.
I love his Decanter ...Thanks for the comment Juel.<br /><br />I love his Decanter column. It's like peering into a big frosty old window into days gone by, days of sherry with elevenses and fine port after lunch.<br /><br />Thanks for the insight too - nice to hear he was a true gent.Simon O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10944144832414040484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-20469999590598920672011-08-16T13:13:54.758-07:002011-08-16T13:13:54.758-07:00Tom,
Many thanks for the comment. In a couple of ...Tom,<br /><br />Many thanks for the comment. In a couple of sentences you make *the* vital point that I labour over half-a-dozen paragraphs. These are people, individuals.Simon O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10944144832414040484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-45838986280055288412011-08-16T07:13:27.691-07:002011-08-16T07:13:27.691-07:00Telling it like it is! Thanks. Love his tasting no...Telling it like it is! Thanks. Love his tasting notes, they are from another time. Only met him once, but overwhelmed by his immaculate manners in a room full of people. <br /><br />Jwinewomansonghttp://www.winewomansong.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-86590567903219815432011-08-11T03:51:34.833-07:002011-08-11T03:51:34.833-07:00Simon, I detest the word chav. It depresses me hug...Simon, I detest the word chav. It depresses me hugely to hear it used in a way that oozes judgmental smugness. 'The Top Gear school of satire' indeed — a phrase I'll remember and probably shamelessly steal.<br /><br />Any kind of dismissive, catch-all term like chav is deeply lazy and cowardly, because it is a way of avoiding a difficult reality: that these are people, individuals.<br /><br />Really good piece. Thanks.Tom Parnellhttp://oldparn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-33431261936366019452011-05-09T12:47:59.845-07:002011-05-09T12:47:59.845-07:00I am certainly not a wine buff or snob, I tried th...I am certainly not a wine buff or snob, I tried this wine as I know the area, the terroire I believe it is called. I really enjoyed it, I found it rich and fruity. Others must have enjoyed it too as my 2 local Morrisons sold out and have had requests for it. Glad to see the Co-op has it, will hunt for it tomorrow. Well done the producerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-9499229689085466952011-03-30T04:21:21.459-07:002011-03-30T04:21:21.459-07:00Agree sad news as one who frequently visited Oddbi...Agree sad news as one who frequently visited Oddbins @ Headingley the staff were friendly and showed a interest in what was happening in the local community. Not your usual supermarket with their choice of big brands only.<br />OllieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-49200660826901467222011-02-28T04:43:03.473-08:002011-02-28T04:43:03.473-08:00Many thanks for the comment! I agree – it's de...Many thanks for the comment! I agree – it's definitely helpful to know what style a taster favours when you're looking at their scores.<br /><br />And you make a good point about, ironically, sometimes actively seeking out lower ranked wines from certain tasters – this kind of exposes the major imperfections of awarding wines a single score doesn't it?<br /><br />Perhaps awarding two scores for each wine would seem slightly less daft: the first being a 'factual' rating on whether it's simply a well made wine or not for its price (but no doubt even this score would vary among critics); the second being an 'enjoyment' rating, based on whether the taster personally enjoyed the wine. You might appreciate that a piece of music is a work of genius, but personally hate the sound of it… so what do you give that out of 100?!Simon O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10944144832414040484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-33832158832377633252011-02-27T14:51:12.556-08:002011-02-27T14:51:12.556-08:00Thanks for this post, great blog! Interesting to h...Thanks for this post, great blog! Interesting to hear what Oz Clarke thinks about Robert Parker... agree with Oz, if you know where Robert Parker is coming from then it's easy to interpret the scores, understand the wine and yet, not agree with the ranking. Sometimes if he gives a low score, and the notes hint the wine is not completely dire, I am more likely to look for it. JMJM Darklyhttp://www.winewomansong.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649920854024808110.post-4698592956991003682010-11-08T13:22:35.204-08:002010-11-08T13:22:35.204-08:00Ooh you got a picture of the pumpkin ale - good st...Ooh you got a picture of the pumpkin ale - good stuff! I thought it was rather nice, always great ale from Roosters!sophiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16014059265711584147noreply@blogger.com