Johnny Ray's Top 10
As Johnny Ray says in the Telegraph (3rd September 2010), "small wine sellers have a knack for uncovering some gems..."
"Independents ranging from 312-year-old Berry Bros & Rudd to five-year-old Private Cellar are reporting record profits. And there’s no shortage of new wine merchants springing up either – both actual and virtual.
I’ve always said that if I was forced to buy wine from only, say, Waitrose and Majestic, both of whom have great selections, I’d die happy. I would miss the quirkiness of the independents though and the tiny parcels of blink-and-you-missed-it treasures they manage to ferret out.
"...And in this age of internet and phone there’s no earthly reason not to buy from them.
It’s a rare independent that won’t offer next day countrywide delivery. Their prices will be keener than you think, you’ll get the personal touch and you’ll be drinking something you simply won’t be able to find anywhere else.
And so to tempt you, here are 10 top wines from 10 top independents, both new and old. Go on, give them a go.
Lírico Torrontés, Mauricio Lorca
Private Cellar is small but perfectly formed and run by former directors of Corney & Barrow and John Armit Wines. Personal contact is the key and PC is noted for its light-hearted and accessible tastings. Their wines, too, are great, such as this summer’s bestseller – a delicate, flowery and aromatic torrontés from the winemaker at Bodegas Foster (and, formerly, Bosca and Catena). Spot on with poached salmon salad."
