Helen McGinn 
Last night was Book Club and no, I hadn’t read the book (it was a medical-themed book with really tiny print – double whammy). I took a bottle of English white wine in the hope it would act as a diversion – it sort of worked – and as ever the chat was 10% book, 90% other stuff. Phew. Actually, it was lovely to be out last night after last week. It was officially One Of Those Weeks: two new puppies + two out of three children off school with a tummy bug = mayhem. Luckily, this week’s been a little more normal. Apart from the wine, that is. Earlier tonight I did a wine tasting for a gorgeous group of women at one of my favourite hotels, Lime Wood, in the New Forest. From a pretty Provence rose to an Italian Nebbiolo from Langhe (bit like a baby-Barolo), the wines were anything but normal. Thanks to Juliet for the photo.
Chin chins x
Current white in the fridge: Le Stelle Vermentino 2014
Price: £6.69 - Buy From Waitrose
From Sardinia, this is a really great Italian white made from the Vermentino grape. I love this grape but there’s not that much around on our shelves here – yet. There’s lots of it planted in Sardinia and here, it makes lovely, crisp whites with fresh lemony flavours. This one’s really summery – and getting me in the mood for our short trip to Italy in a few weeks’ time. Be warned, I am going to go on and on about it.
Current red in the rack: Good Ordinary Claret 2012
Price: £9.00 - Buy From Berry Brothers
Most of the things written about Bordeaux wines covers the expensive stuff. Which is a shame because there is some really good value to be found – you’ve just got to know where to look. And Berry’s know exactly where to go for their Good Ordinary Claret: this tastes far more expensive than it is. Classic Claret with black fruits, spice and a whiff of coffee. Sent to me by their team to try, this is brilliantly done – and definitely not normal.
You can come round here and divert me from tiny print anytime Helen. You're giving away your age there, but that's why we love you. So sorry the kids have been ill. Great to see about the puppies. Sounds like you've had a blast and I very much look forward to reading about your trip to Italy. Sort of. 😉 X
I know, I promise not to go on about it too much. But 4 nights! Without kids! In Como! So excited x
Oh god, the book wasn't 'Doctoring Data' by any chance? Have it as one of our 'to read' tomes for Kevin and am tenaciously avoiding it…
LCM x
It's called Do No Harm by Henry Marsh – those that read it loved it, so I'm definitely going to try and read it at some point. The next one's on running barefoot – Born To Run (I think?). It's all about the font size…
Read it on your kindle and increase the font size. No one need ever know… (I heard that tip from 'a friend', by the way)
GENIUS! x