All the gossip from the Bibendum Times Annual Tasting

Hello all,

I just thought I'd give my report on our trip to the Saatchi Gallery, London for the Bibendum Times annual tasting.

The day was great fun and a complete success so lots of credit must go to guys at Bibendum Wines. 1000s of wines were promised and 1000s of wines there were from all over the world and many of our favourite producers were there to serve up their wares.

We started as planned in the Champagne room at 12pm (our plan to get there at the beginning was scuppered by a slow and sleepy start). Many grande marque producers such as Krug, Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger (sweetie) were dishing out their best wines but for me the best was from producer Albert Beerens tucked away in the corner. This tiny, family-run house were serving a wonderful brut heavy on the Pinot Meurnier, a style too rarely seen this side of the Channel. Lady of the House, Anne-Laure Beerens was happy to chat with me about their wines and even invited me to have a look round next time I'm down that way.

After a good hour of Champagne we decided it was time for lunch so we headed upstairs to enjoy a complimentary Bento box and much needed water supplied by Hildon. Over lunch we planned where to head next and as Harriet was very keen to explore some uncharted territory, we made for the wines of India. The wines were individual and truly excellent. I opted for the Sauvignon Blanc and experience a smokey character I had never seen in the grape before.

Room after room followed and we tasted some incredible wines including some from our own list we had not had the chance to try before. Another stand out producer was Agricola Nicolis and his Amarone della Valpolicella was a hit with Kelly (every 5 mins she came back with a fresh glass).

We also tried some good spirits and beers and I even entered a competition involving some free pouring and blind tasting (I did not win).
All too quickly to announcement came that it was time to go so we set down our Riedel glasses and headed out into London for a few more drinks at the fabulous bar at Duke's Hotel, Mayfair.

I can speak for us all that we thouroughly enjoyed the trip down and our thanks go to Bibendum for putting on a splendid day and of course to the owner of Vinea, James for letting us go.

Thanks for reading,

Dan