SAINT GEORGE'S DAY Wednesday 23 April

Celebrating England's patron saint (even if he has been demoted) seems a good reason to open some French wine

Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges - 2004 Domaine Henri Gouges

The 'Saint Georges' vineyard is the one from which the commune takes its full name. It lies in the centre of the appellation, and some believe it should have Grand Cru status. The Gouges family own about one-seventh of the site.
'This vintage has a classic balance of acidity fruit and ripe tannins. A wine with complex flavours and a nice length on the palate, it will need however a few years of patience to achieve its fullness.'

or somewhat less expensive

Nuits Saint Georges 2005 Domaine Henri Gouges - a truly marvellous vintage ... and this wine is looking very good value now.
http://www.gouges.com

or if you prefer Bordeaux

Château Tour du Pas Saint Georges 2004 Saint Georges Saint Emilion - offers exceptional value. This small estate now belongs to Pascal Delbeck, owner also of Château Belair, Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion.


Please ask your Sales Manager about Saint George's Day promotions.

New additions to our American (in the widest sense) portfolio, from opposite ends of the continent!

SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier have successfully moved their 30 hectare vineyard to a new site at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Cultivated organically, Southbrook is aiming to become Canada's first certified bio-dynamic vineyard. A brand new winery designed to 'sit lightly on the land' by leading Canadian architect Jack Diamond, is due for completion shortly.

We were looking for an Icewine, but were so captivated by Southbrook's range that we've shipped two .... read more

PIZZORNO FAMILY ESTATES Canelón Chico, Uruguay
The Pizzorno family - the third generation descendants of an Italian immigrant to the country - cultivate 20 hectares of vines in Canelón Chico, 20 kilometres from Montevideo and close to the Rio de la Plata. Uruguay's signature red grape is Tannat (now almost unique to the country) and Carlos Pizzorno has a classic example to offer.

This development of the HBJ portfolio complements well our other South American offerings, and is a perfect example of what we look for in a producer - something unusual, and demonstrating a profound care for quality and authenticity ... read more

FIREBIRD RISING ...

FIREBIRD LEGEND has gained a listing in the Systembolgat - the Swedish alcoholic drinks monopoly - from February 2008 for Firebird Legend Pinot Noir 2006. Firebird Legend is an HBJ joint venture, the wines being grown in Moldova. The Swedes are renowned for their good taste, of course - and it is really exciting to see Moldovan wine moving into the international market place.

PEOPLE

DAVE GREEN has just joined HBJ Wines & Spirits to develop our Corporate sales - he comes to us from Majestic, the most successful wine merchant in the UK, so we look forward to great things. Dave is a keen cricketer and squash player, and a Member of the Royal Geographical Society, so he can no doubt find his way about.

We also welcome TENDAI CHAQWEDA who has joined HBJ as Sales and Marketing Coordinator and has already made a notable impression on the London office.

Bimbadgen Estate's (New South Wales) new MD, JOHN QUIRK has been in the UK for the annual Australia Day Tasting in London.

DEATH VALLEY CYCLE RIDE

Sebastian Snow, Chef-Proprietor of Snow's on the Green, successfully completed a tough five-day, 250-mile ride in Death Valley. Sebastian raised over £3,000 (with support from Mirassou, part of the Gallo Family Vineyards) and his group over £100,000 for the Mines Action Group. Picture above! 

THE POWER OF THE NET

As a result of his name appearing in the last edition of the HBJ Newsletter, John Moss-Blundell reports that a school friend he had not seen for 50 years, and now living in Màlaga, got in touch - such is the reach of the internet! 


 

VISITING BIMBADGEN

Steve Brown, our Credit Controller, recently visited the Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley:

While on holiday in Australia recently friends and I had the opportunity for a day trip to the Hunter Valley. We took in a stop at the Bimbadgen winery and their wonderful restaurant Esca, which for Thursday lunchtime was packed. The hospitality as usual was first class, (as this was my third time to Bimbadgen), the meals were of the highest standard, the veal was sublime and the lamb I was told was of the best quality and the bottle of Bimbadgen Estate Barbera was so good I could have drunk the whole bottle myself. (Nothing unusual about that).

I know it is a long way from home, but should you be in the Hunter Valley or indeed in Sydney, please take the time to make the trip to Bimbadgen, you will not be disappointed of this I am sure. www.bimbadgen.com.au