Ruth's wine of the month - Alain Thienot Rosé Champagne, France, £39.80
- Click here to buy Ruth’s choice
"I headed on down to the Champagne tasting in London in March and can you believe it but over 10,000 bottle of the lovely fizz were opened for buyers and journalists to taste their way through at the Royal Banqueting House, Westminster. I must admit it was quite a mixed tasting for me, there were some very average Champers there, some of which certainly didn’t appeal in terms of value for money. In fact I could have counted around 15-20 that pleasantly surprised me, one of which was the Alain Thienot Rosé and the Vintage. But it was the Rosé that I decided to serve at a recent dinner party and boy did it go down well, it was even raved at by the non-champagne drinkers (are there any, I asked myself.) It has a lovely light but consistent mousse, it’s certainly not overpowering in acidity like some and has bags of summer fruits, OK, it’s not your cheapest Rosé but in terms of quality it knocks the socks off the big brands out there!! We were recently told by a customer who visited Ramond Blanc’s Le Manoir Restaurant and wanted to find the Champagne they had drunk (Thienot) and were directed to Corks Out, now that makes me smile!!
Enjoy, I know you will…."
Click here to read Ruth's Blog
Richard Yates | Stockton Heath
Most of you will know Richard as the Concha y Toro man and after 16 years with them the passion of Corks Out finally got to him so much that he felt this was what was truly in his heart. So, you can be sure that a few of his favourites will be coming from South America as that’s where his expertise lies, however, I do know that he enjoys quality European reds too.
Richard's Wine of the month - Nostros Reserve Pinot Noir, Chile £6.50 - Click here to buy Richard's choice
"Nostros means “ours” in Spanish..… I would rather “el vino es lo mio!” (the wine is mine!). I love this wine, from the Indomita Winery perched on the edge of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, a cooler climate area which produces excellent Pinot Noir grapes. This wine is quite remarkable for the price; the nose and palate are full of strawberry and raspberry characteristics backed up by a good balance of soft supple tannins, gentle acidity and moderate alcohol. Great flavours with a surprisingly long elegant finish."
Mervyn Howard | Chester
Mervyn has knowledge of wine that amazes all of us. Although he is very modest about this I don’t think there is a wine, region or country that he couldn’t talk to you about. Not only does he have his Diploma in wine but Mervyn tutored the subject for many years, leaving us all overwhelmed with his knowledge. Therefore, I am not sure what will turn up over the next few months, all I can say is watch this space….
Mervyn's Wine of the month - Firesteed Pinot Noir, USA, £15.94 - Click here to buy Mervyn's choice
"My recommendation this month is Firesteed Pinot Noir 2006. Oregan had such a tremendous vintage in 2006 resulting in near perfect conditions all through the growing season. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel with a touch of barrel-aged wine inlcuded in the blend to round out the flavours and enhance the complexity.
The wine is richly aromatic with black cherry and raspberry flavours that continue through to the finish.
A wonderful glass of wine for lovers of Pinot Noir."
Andrew Pritchard | Chester
Andrew is an enthusiast and although his background is in financial marketing, his liquid assets are now in a bottle rather than in a bank. He has a love of wine and enjoys meeting new and loyal customers. His favourites are a secret and will come to light over the next few months.
Andrew's drink of the month - Mondavi Napa Fume Blanc, USA, £17.31 - Click Here to buy Andrew's choice.
"This rich, barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc is almost creamy textured, with pronounced aromas of jasmine and orange blossom - a gardener's delight! On the palate, you will notice citrus and tropical fruit such as limes and lychees, with honey and subtle oak nuances . With a beautiful balance of weight and zesty acidity, this wine will go well with poultry and meaty fish dishes."
Tom Scargill | Chester
Tom has spent some time in the wine trade over the last few years and his wine knowledge and enthusiasm show in the store and at tastings. In his spare time he performs in a band, so you never know where you might see him in the future.
Tom's Wine of the month - Pulenta Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, £15.84 - Click Here to buy Tom's choice.
"A gem from Jem! Yes it was my birthday and Jeremy presented me with a bottle of Malbec that has redefined my appreciation of what Argentinian wines are capable of. From holidays in the Lot area of France I’m well versed in the infuriating inconsistency of the regions Malbec driven Cahor. One bottle grand, heady and rich with black fruit, the next an overly tannic chore. Argentina seems to tick all the right boxes with far more regularity and Pulenta’s offering certainly echoes the best the best Cahor can offer. Powerful with finely integrated tannins, the focused black fruit is there but so to structure and elegance.
Pulenta’s wines seem to have struck a chord here in Chester. Andrew has been championing their Pinot Gris, their Cabernet Sauvignon showed amazingly at a recent blind tasting and barely a day goes by without Merv purring at the sight of their Gran Corte. Perfect with red meats and the deep, dark and funky sounds of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Goin On’"
James Nixon | Stockton Heath
James joined Corks Out in April 2008 and says he is loving every minute of it. You will love him as he was a Chef before joining us and is passionate about food and wine, therefore, whether it's a special dinner party or spag bol for two he will help you choose the right wine as well as giving you some tips in the kitchen. James passed his WSET wine exam in 2008 and is looking forward to increasing his knowledge further.
James's Wine of the month - Meinklang Gruener Veltliner, Austria, £10.73 - Click here to buy James' choice
"I'm drinking the Gruener Veltliner from the organic producer Meinklang. To find out what it goes well with please read my blog The Jewel of the Caribbean." Click here to read James' blog.
Guy Hodcroft | Timperley
Guy may be a younger member of our team but don’t let that fool you, I think he must have been taking in all of his wine knowledge in another life time. His travels to Spain have given him great knowledge of this area and although his passion is Old World I think his New World view on things is very exciting. His time working at the Harvey Nichols store in Manchester has developed his enthusiasm for the subject and now he is ready to expand his knowledge and career further.
Guy's Wine of the Month - Qupe Bien Nacido Syrah, California, £16.94 - Click Here to Buy Guy's Choice. or Click Here to read Guy's Blog
"Have been going through a bit of a Syrah phase recently, trying various examples from Spain, France, Argentina, and Washington State. This expression however, is made in the "engine room" of US wine, California. Dense crimson red in aspect, with aromas of mature dark fruit, subtle creamy oak and some earthiness. Full bodied and structured on the palate, with mature plum, fig, blackcurrant and pepper spice. Dusty, fine tannins and well balanced acidity, serve with spiced lamb and casserole dishes. "
Hayley Staunton - Stockton Heath
Hayley, my daughter has shown an interest in wine for quite some time, she passed her WSET wine exam in 2008 and although only 20 she is enthusiastic and eager to find out more about the subject. It's lovely to have another family member in the business.
Hayley's Wine of the month - Skuttlebutt Shiraz, Merlot Rose, Australia, £9.71 - Click Here to Buy Hayley's Choice.
"This month I’m going to choose a wine that will really get us in the mood for summer. A rose wine is always on my shopping list in spring and is perfect for those cool summer evenings. My favorite Rose has to be the Skuttlebutt from the Stella Bella family. The Skuttlebutt rose is a great blend of Merlot and Shiraz which packs this wine with everything you need. Full of ripe summer fruits like cherry and strawberries a blend of perfection. This wine would be lovely with a nice light fruity desert or as an aperitif. A true barbeque wine that would match a lot of food due to its complexity."
Graham Simpson | Heswall
Graham joined the team in May 2009 as the manager for our Heswall store. If you live in Heswall you will probably all remember him as the manager of the Nicolas (Odd Bins store) in Heswall. He has spent many years in the wine trade, has fantastic knowledge and a great palate for wine tasting. I am delighted he has joined us and I can only warn you that his knowledge and enthusiasm is very infectious, therefore, if you want to know more about wine and you live in Heswall then Gray is your man.
Gray's Wine of the Month - Shelmerdine Viognier, Australia £13.02 - Click Here to Buy Gray's Choice
"The Heathcote vineyards used to source the Viognier grapes for this wine are based in Central Victoria. Therein lies sandy granite and Cambrian red soils coupled with a warm continental climate which makes for a wine of deep concentration, structure and regional character. Summer and Autumn of 2006/07 was drought-influenced so vines had to dig deep for nourishment and with cool nights and low yields, the grapes were perfectly ripened.
This Viognier is silky smooth, with aromas of quince, peach and figs. The palate is drier than many over-blown and blousy Viogniers on the market, which gives it a refreshing, rather than cloying edge with mandarin and peach flavours. Perfect with many types of Asian cuisine. "
Emily Dickinson | Heswall
We are really pleased to have Emily on board at our Heswall store on the Wirral. Emily's background has been in hospitality, managing a number of well known restaurants. During that time she has developed a passion for wine and although very modest, her knowledge of the subject is certainly more than just an enthusiastic passion.
Emily's wine of the month - Vega del Rayo Rioja Reserva, Spain, £10.73 - Click Here to Buy Emily's Choice.
“With spring finally pushing it’s way through here’s a great value Reserva Rioja to enjoy with that tasty roasted lamb that’s coming into season!
The nose is actually reminiscent of a country walk on a hot late summers’ eve with notes of wild ripe blackberries and plums as well as raisins, enough to start you thinking of the (hopefully) warm days that are ahead. The palate is full and silky smooth with a big and well rounded vanilla and spice sweetness together with luscious red fruits, delicious!"
Katie Butler | Alderley Edge
Katie Butler has joined the team to manage our Alderley Edge store, Katie was with Odd Bins for many years and managed the Knutsford shop until it closed in 2009. Another knowledgeable team member who just loves wine and has a bubbly personality to go with it, It's impossible to be with Katie for more than a few minutes without feeling totally at ease with life! If any of you are living on the Edge be sure to pop in the store for advice and great wine!!
Katie's wine of the month - Esk Valley Verdelho, New Zealand, £10.16 - Click Here to Buy Katie's choice.
"I’m dusting off my suitcase and getting ready to head down under to New Zealand, therefore I’m getting in training, and warming my tastebuds up with some delights from Kiwi-land. Esk Valley Verdelho, is as far as I know, the only Verdelho made in New Zealand. It’s winemaker, Gordon Russell, was inspired on his travels in Europe to make this wine. It is fresh, with white stone fruit, with a touch of oiliness which makes it a superb match with food. In its homeland of Portugal, and in Galicia in Spain where it also makes an appearance, it has noticeable acidity too. Here it is not as marked. Esk Valley is part of the Villa Maria stable of wines, all superbly made with attention to detail. You can rest assured dear reader, I will be rustling up some other beauties while I’m away. I will throw myself into the fray with abandon, in pursuit of vinous nirvana. Sweet!"
Simon Dewar | Alderley Edge
Simon joined the team at Corks Out in August 09 and was recently with Odd Bins in Wilmslow. He has two main passions, Wine and Photography, his enthusiasm for wine is clear when you speak to him and he is particularly interested in fine wine and the underrated wines and grape varieties that most tend avoid.
Simon's wine of the month - The Chocolate Block 2008, South Africa, £21.95 - Click Here to buy Simon's choice
"The Boekenhoutskloof farm lies in the Franschhoek Valley, the Chocolate Block is a dark mystical beast full of muscle and complexity with a cult following. In 1993 it was immaculately restored by wine enthusiasts and now produces some of the most enjoyable and iconic wines from South Africa. The 2008 Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah (69%); Grenache noir (12%); Cabernet Sauvignon (10%); Cinsault (7%) and Viognier (2%). Its a heady blend and incredibly intense offering masses of all coloured fruits but balanced with plenty of spice, acidity and as the name suggests, chunk after chunnk of dark bitter chocolate. No Botox here!, just a superbly structured wine with silky fine tannins guiding you through an enormous finish. Its well known that the Chocolate Block loves to sit in cellars for a few years to really shine but decant if you cant wait!.
By the way, Boekenhoutskloof translates as 'Ravine of the Boekenhout' pronounced Book-n-Howed, an indigenous Cape Beech Tree"
Jo Bradshaw | Stockton Heath
Due to our expansion, Jo has come on board to help the business out in the admin department, now with 5 shops, an extended warehouse, 20 team members and 92 wine and spirit suppliers the admin side begins to take up more and more of your time. This will allow me to get back into the stores again and spend more time concentrating on purchasing more exclusivities and exciting products. Jo lives locally to Stockton Heath and after speaking to her as a customer in the past appreciates a quality glass of wine.
Jo's wine of the month - Mud House Unoaked Chardonnay, New Zealand, £11.19
- Click Here to buy Jo's choice
"I bought this wine to accompany a Friday night in with a Creamy Fish Pie. It was a perfect match and at the reasonable price of £11.19 it is great for a quiet night with the other half."
Geoffray Sylvain - Stockton Heath
Geoffray is from Belfort, close to Alsace in France and will be working with Corks Out for 6 months on a placement for work experience and will be based at the Stockton Heath store. He has some good knowledge on French wines and speaks good English and Spanish and even a little Chinese (not that we have many Chinese products at Corks Out)!! His hobbies are reading, photography and watching sport and his favourite wine is white Burgundy (a man after my own heart)!!
Geoffray's wine of the month - Banyuls Vin Doux Naturel Chapoutier 50cl, £13.79, France - Click here to buy Geoffray's choice.
"The wine I’m drinking this month is one of my favourite, it’s a dessert wine but not a white-one like a Sauterne or a Muscat, it’s a not-too-sweet red dessert wine. The production process is similar to that used to make Port. Alcohol is added to the must to halt fermentation while sugar levels are still high, preserving the natural sugar of the grape. The wines are then matured in oak barrels, or outside in glass bottles exposed to the sun, allowing the wine to maderise. The maturation period is a minimum of ten months. It’s a well appreciated wine by french people as a fortified apéritif but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too, paired with chocolate desserts, blue cheeses and dried fruit. The area of production of the AOC Banyuls is the Roussillon county and it is made from old vines cultivated in terraces on the slopes. It’s deep garnet in colour, with aromas of red and dried fruit, chocolate and roasted coffee. Powerful, rich and long on the palate, with mature dark fruit flavours and chocolate coming to the fore."
Jeremy Cowen - Chester
We are delighted to welcome Jeremy on board at our Chester store. Jeremy has worked closely with wine for the past 11 years and was the youngest ever manager in Oddbins history, which was where his career in wine started. Since then he has travelled the wineries around the world and been Head Sommelier at some of the well known restaurants around the UK. His passion for wine and spirits and the retail sector is fairly obvious when you meet him. We are also proud to welcome Jeremy as the new manager of the Chester branch as of 1st January 2010
Jeremy's Wine of the month - Chablis, Domaine Tremblay 2008, France, £12.77 - Click here to buy Jeremy's choice.
"If you’re tired of all the new world Chardonnays out there, with all that butter and the feeling that you're sucking on a plank of oak, then go back to your roots and drink a nice crisp bottle of Chablis. "
Marina Dunlop - Timperley/Alderley Edge
Marina has certainly had her fair share of wine experience, through retail, working as a chef and a cellar manager. She has spent 2 ½ years in the world of art and is a keen photographer, however, it was her passion for food and wine that changed that and now we are lucky to have her enthusiasm within Corks Out, Marina will be working between the Timperley and Alderley Edge store and if you ask her about her favourite wine, you can bet it will be Chateau Musar!
Marina's wine of the month - Meinkland Pinot Noir, £13.79, Austria. Click here to purchase Marina's wine
"After the recent snow and not being able to move from my street unless in a 4 x 4 for a long time, I have found myself thinking about all the years I lived in the mountains and the wine I used to drink after a hard day skiing! Meinklang, Point Noir brings back floods of memories, light enough to drink by itself as you unwind and warm up by the fire but with enough bite to accompany alpine cheeses."
Last updated: April 30, 2010