Welcome to timatkin.com. I hope you like the site and find lots to read and enjoy. I've added several features recently, including Cork Talk, Music and Wine and monthly columns by Ron Washam (aka The HoseMaster of Wine), Matt Walls and Robert Joseph. Also, check out my 14,000 word 2012 Bordeaux report, which is now live and available to download for £10.
When the London International Wine Fair closes its doors at ExCel next Wednesday evening it will mark the end of a short and not particularly distinguished era in the show’s 33-year history. The 13 events out east have been unlucky for many exhibitors and visitors, not to mention Brintex, who have seen their profits fall dramatically since 2001. It’s worth remembering that the LIWF moved to ExCel for two main reasons: it had “outgrown” its base at Olympia and the trade wanted the event to be housed in a more modern, air conditioned space. For all its drawbacks – ponderous transport links, over-priced, lacklustre food and a venue with all the personality of an aircraft hanger – ExCel is a professionally run operation....
If summer ever arrives in the UK - come to think of it, spring would be welcome, too - this is a wine that I'd be happy to have in my fridge or ice bucket. Crisp and aromaitic, with notes of fresh limes and lemon peel, showing a touch of spritz and tastebud-tingling acidity. Tangy and light, it's the sort of wine I could drink all afternoon. Portugal at its value for money best.
88 points
I’m an award-winning wine writer and Master of Wine with 28 years’ experience. I write for a number of publications, including The World of Fine Wine, OLN, Intelligent Life, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Imbibe and Woman and Home, appear regularly on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and run my own wine school in London. I am a co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge, the world’s most rigorously judged blind tasting competition, and have won over 25 awards for my journalism and photography. So far, I don’t have a red nose to show for it.
This site is the winner of the Louis Roederer Wine Website of the Year 2011 and the Born Digital Award for Best Editorial Content.
Read about Tim’s own awards.