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(From Lloyds List)
Byline: Merchants' group represents the cream of British independents, writes Neville Smith
THERE are many things you might get for Christmas but on the Vino Veritas desk we already know what we want. This, it will not surprise you to learn, does not include robot dogs, handheld computergamethingys or a Condoleezza Rice Interactive Roadmap.
Instead, The Bunch can do the job. Having moved its annual tasting for seasonal reasons, this modish merchants' group (Berrys, Yapp, Lay ' Wheeler, Corney ' Barrow, Adnams and Tanners) is as strong as ever. The loss last year of Armit from its ranks did not prevent it shifting 500 cases in a recent offer.
Despite a tilt towards the south of England, they represent the cream of British independents and will deliver anywhere often for little, sometimes for nothing and put out a cross section of what you would do well to drink.
Aligote is normally the runt of the Burgundy litter but H'P Jacqueson's 2004 (Tann GBP8.70) is as good and simple as they come, well presented with a touch of lemony minerality and a lick of acidity.
Cotes du Rhone blanc might be a guilty pleasure for me but in the form of Tardieu Laurent 2004 (C'B GBP10.13) it is a delight delicate caramel and honey aromas, characteristically lees and lemon palate with well-balanced alcohol.