THOUGHTS OF
CHAIRMAN DON

The drought in Australia is having a drastic effect on the grape harvest. The projected total for 2008 is for 900,000 tonnes, instead of the 2,300,000 initially expected! So there is some fancy dancing about to commence.

Be careful if you are buying some of the big brands in the future. The CEO of Fosters, who own Wolf Blass, Rosemount, Wynns, Annie’s Lane & Penfolds, amongst others (not one of whom make wines of the high standards of a decade ago) recently justified the fact that the ailing Lindemans range now fills their bottles with cheap plonk from Chile and South Africa, by saying:
“We want to use our intellectual capital to source product from regions all around the world and maybe brand over the top of them, so you can get your brand equities.” So there you have it. Forget the mangled syntax …. Whatever happened to the magic of wine?

Another of the many great reasons to stay away from the big Aussie names!
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Castel, the owners of Oddbins (remember them, they used to be dynamic wine merchants?) have attempted to put a few matters right by buying into the Loire Valley. Their boss said:
“The Loire is a region with a great future, because it makes a range of wines that corresponds well to evolving consumer tastes.”

See elsewhere in this News for our latest shipment. The guy is 100% correct. User friendly stuff at the right alcohol level, and at the right price. You obviously agree. After launching our new Loire Estates range last October, we have sold over 4,000 bottles!
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“If your heart is warm with happiness, you’ll need a glass – if sorrow chills your heart, have two” - Hannu Lehmusvuori

“Wine to me is passion. It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It’s culture. It’s the essence of civilisation and the art of living“
- Robert Mondavi

Christmas Lunch Menu

SPICED PUMKIN SOUP
With cheddar toasts
PINK DUCK LIVERS & SPINACH
In a Dubonnet, orange & cranberry dressing
FRISÉE SALAD
With Sweet Crab, Avocado & Coriander
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TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY WITH HOT CRANBERRY GRAVY
Chestnut stuffing, Bacon and Chipolatas
Served with roast potatoes, honey roast parsnips, carrots & brussel sprouts
ROAST RACK OF LAMB WITH A HONEY, ROSEMARY & BREAD CRUST
Served with mint sauce, parsnip & carrot mash & roast potatoes
MARINATED ESCOLAR SUPREME IN GINGER, CORIANDER & LIME
With saffron Basmati pilaf & roast vine-ripened tomatoes
MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLES & CHEESE WELLINGTON
WITH A TOMATO & BASIL SAUCE
With Sauté Potato
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CROSTATA PERA E CIOCCOLATO
Shortcrust Pastry topped with rich Chocolate Cream & sliced Fresh Pears,
Sprinkled with chocolate shavings
DES BRITTEN’S COFFEE & BRANDY PARFAIT
With Amaretto Biscuits
CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE
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COFFEE & MINCE PIES

£29.50 per person Service 10% included
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Served Monday December 3rd through to Monday 24th.
A deposit of £20 per person is required at the time of booking.
We will charge for numbers confirmed by midday the previous day
All tables must be vacated by 4.30pm

New Year’s Eve Menu

At 8pm
A WELCOMING GLASS OF “CHAMPAGNE DON HEWITSON“
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GARLIC & HERBS DE PROVENCE BREAD
ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES SOUP
With coriander & crème fraiche and Fourme d’Ambert toasts
PANFRIED SCALLOP, TIGER PRAWN &
CHAMPAGNE MARINADED SALMON
in garlic butter on a pepper salad
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ROAST SPICE CRUSTED SADDLE OF VENISON
With caramelised vegetables and braised herbed potatoes
BAKED FILLET OF BARRAMUNDI
In a light white wine & dill sauce
Served with salsa noodles and crispy Malaysian vegetables
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THE CORK & BOTTLE NEW YEAR’S EVE DESSERT SPECTACLE
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COFFEE

AFTER 11PM - DANCING TO
D.J. PHILLY’S
SOUNDS OF TODAY & YESTERYEAR

£45.00 PER TICKET. Service 10% Added
£30 Deposit required. Balance to be paid by December 27th