Tapanappa Wines expands with new general manager

The board of Tapanappa Wines has appointed Xavier Bizot as general manager.

Dolan joins Wyndham to boost Shiraz clout

Nigel Dolan, the award winning winemaker, has joined Wyndham Estate as chief winemaker.

Auchentoshan Whisky launches new website

Auchentoshan Whisky has spearheaded its £0.5m brand investment with a newly launched website.

Wines of Argentina tasting must broaden scope

This year's Wines of Argentina trade tasting is looking to cater for as broad as spectrum of visitors as possible, according to the trade body's UK director.

Harpers.co.uk relaunches as TalkingDrinks.com

Wine & spirits website Harpers.co.uk has relaunched as TalkingDrinks.com.

Financial Times

Jancis Robinson MW has "become increasingly aware of a new phenomenon in a worrying proportion of red wine". Although such wines smell of opulence they often leave her "palate feeling as though it has been energetically scoured by sandpaper". A number of theories are ventured to explain the syndrome but Robinson ominously rounds up "it would seem that there is no shortage of sandpaper beyond the grave".

The Sunday Telegraph

The 2007 Viognier Stamford Brook (£5.99, Australia) is a "hugely fruity white, bursting with ripe peach," says Susy Atkins. Her second choice is the 2005 Botrytis Semillon (£5.99, Tesco) which has a "rich jamminess". "Botrytis is also known as 'noble rot', which I realise sounds horrid," admits Atkins, but readers should pursue both recommendations as long as they are chilled well before serving.

The Sunday Times

Joanna Simon turns her attention to the Castel/Oddbins/Nicolas saga in her column this week.  However she remains unconvinced by some of the ramifications of the takeover. "All French wines are now bought by Nicolas in Paris. This may sound sensible, but the effect has been depressing," she laments. Ignoring French offerings, Simon highlights the 2007 Pinot Grigio Red Hill Estate (£9.99, Oddbins) for its "lively, appley, nutty and mineral" notes.

The Independent

In these times of credit woe we should take note that Aldi has taken the "discount mantle" from Kwik Save, says Anthony Rose.  "Aldi's low wine prices are all the more remarkable, given that the euro is so strong and the government now takes £1.72 in tax on every bottle of wine," he adds. The 2007 Chardonnay Torrontes Tierra del Sol (£3.49) "would not disgrace the dinner table" while Aldi's flush shoppers might want to try the 2007 Latuilière Sancerre (£8.99) which "offers the requisite herbaceous quality to customers in search of a treat".

The Times

"France, for all its failings, continues to set the standards for global fine wine production," Jane MacQuitty explains.  This was her response to a "Gallic-wine-hating reader" who complained that MacQuitty's pages were full of endless plugs for French wine. Particular current favourites include the "celery-scented style" 2007 Vin de Pays Cuvée Pêcheur (£3.69, Waitrose) and the 2005 Moulin à Vent, La Roche-Vineuse (£13.95, Berry Bros & Rudd).

The Observer

Tim Atkin MW is back from his several-week hiatus and he is in a combative mood. "Castel's ownership of Oddbins has been a disaster," he rages, and the recent press tasting has done little to allay his fears.  Atkin's main bone of contention seems to be Alain Favereau, a Castel buyer, who "has no understanding whatsoever of what UK consumers (and wine writers) like to drink". Thankfully there are "one or two decent wines" remaining. As examples, he chooses the "herbal, aromatic, multi-dimensional blend" 2007 De Grendel Winifred (£9.59, Oddbins) and the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Matahiwi Holly (£10.99, Oddbins) with its "remarkable complexity".

Key spirits boost Pernod Ricard sales

Double digit growth for several of Pernod Ricard's key brands, particularly its premium spirits portfolio, has boosted full-year sales figures.

PLB Beer picks up new accounts

PLB's Beer Division has won new listings in Sainsbury's and Booker C&C for Summer Lightning - the Premium Bottled Ale from Hop Back Brewery, which is represented by PLB in the Off-Trade.

Absolut Vodka sale reaches completion

Pernod Ricard's purchase of Vin & Sprit (V&S), the company that sells Absolut Vodka, has been completed.

Russian Standard Vodka Launches in Taiwan

Russian Standard Vodka has announced the official launch of its Russian Standard Original brand in Taiwan.

Guala Closures Group Sponsors ISI

Guala Closures Group has entered into a sponsorship programme with the International Screwcap Initiative (ISI).

The Sunday Times

English wine should be "top of your list if you're feeling even faintly patriotic," Joanna Simon feels. "Quality across the board has been rising steadily," she adds, but consumers can expect to pay for the experience. The 2006 Bacchus Reserve Chapel Down (12.99, Selfridges) is a "delicious, tangy, floral, passion fruit-flavoured" wine.

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Enotria does on-trade deal with Wheeler Cellars

The directors of Colchester Wine Ltd. are pleased to announce that their On-trade wine supply business, trading as "Wheeler Cellars" (formally the Trade Division of Lay and Wheeler), and their Agency business, trading as "Select Vineyards", will join forces with the highly successful Enotria wine distribution company with effect from Monday 21st July 2008.

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Updated as at 1 August 2012