The Wine Gang (Tom Cannavan, Jane Parkinson, Joanna Simon, Anthony Rose and David Williams) contemplate corporate world domination at the Wines of Croatia tasting (8th September). 

Founded in 2008 with Gang's undoubted tasting expertise and experience has never been matched by sartorial flair. There was some hope while Olly Smith was a member but he left at the end of last year along with fellow founder member Tim Atkin MW. Tim and Olly + his shirts have now ganged up with Oz Clarke becoming The Three Wine Men. All rather reminiscent of the super-groups of the 70s – Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Blind Faith, Crosby, Stills and Nash et al! 

The Blue Shirts (aka The Wine Gang) have fairs in London (29th October) and Edinburgh (12th November).

2007 Cabernet Franc, Franc Arman

I wasn't able to spend a lot of time at the Wines of Croatia tasting last week but did find some interesting wines, despite the organisation of the event being somewhat of a challenge. Many of the reds that I tasted were surprisingly leafy given that Croatia is in southern Europe. As I have never been to Croatia my impression of the geography is unfortunately rather hazy. In contrast this 2007 Cabernet Franc from Franc Arman was quite floral and attractively softly textured with good length, although with slightly green tannins in the finish.

2007 Milva and 2007 Antica, Roxanich (served in magnum)

These were the last two wines I managed to taste. Both white wines are in an oxidised style, which works adding complexity to the wine. Milva is made from Chardonnay, which spends three or four days on its skins before being pressed off. Antica has much longer on the skins – a remarkable 87 days. Made from Malvazija Istriana, Antica is like a complex dry Sherry.  

See also Robert McIntosh's take on this tasting.

  

Michel au boulot@Salon des Vins de Loire 2009

Super series of photos from the 2011 edition of Vinexpo by Michel here on Les 5 du Vin.

 Jean-Christophe Garnier: Vin mousseux de Qualité

Interesting and well balanced but agnostic look by Tim Atkin MW at the 'natural' wine phenomenon. Originally published in Off Licence News, Tim has posted it on his site.

Like Tim I'm agnostic or questioning, perhaps more accurate, with regards to 'natural' wines. There are certainly some wonderfully expressive wines that are described as 'natural', equally there are some real horrors – see above the sparkling wine from Jean-Christophe Garnier in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay (original post here). Also some reflections on the 'ayatollahs' of the movement.