“After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.”

Oscar Wilde

Was it Churchill who famously said ‘never waste a good crisis’? Anyway, whoever came up with it could have been talking about the UK’s wine trade in 2020. In March, we found ourselves starring in our own Hollywood virus movie but a national crisis brings out the very best of folk and the wine trade up and down the country have responded with drive and innovation in how they serve their communities.

One such business is London's very own mini chain, The Good Wine Shop, and their brand new Richmond Hill store in particular. Despite only opening last November, they have been so warmly embraced by their local community that they have won Decanter Magazine's prestigious Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year for 2020. That's hot on the success of their Kew store winning the best wine shop award in 2019.

To be honest, it’s easy to see why they won, because their range, knowledge and customer service is second to none. You do often find that wine merchants around the country tend to be the leaders in old fashioned customer service and with so many in London, you have to be really special to stand out.

Anyway, awards aside, one look at the selection is enough to make me wish I lived nearby because their shelves are pure porn for wine lovers with plenty of artisan producers from all over the world, including one of my all-time favourites David Franz, whose Merlot/Petit Verdot blend is just filthily good.

Another way I judge a wine store is by whether they stock proper Madeira and by proper Madeira, I’m not talking about all that Duke of Clarence rubbish that the supermarkets push out, and I was delighted with their range. They even stock the ever so special 1988 Terrantez from d’Oliveiras. Seriously, folks, they offer a very naughty, seductive range of wines and it’s stocked by people who genuinely seem to give a hoot about what they sell. In short, it's a liquid porn store and you don't need to wear a raincoat to enter!

Watford Observer:

Fabio Motta, Pievi Bolgheri Rosso

Three of my favourite grapes, merlot, cabernet and sangiovese, in one rather lush blend. The winemaker adds to that cracking combo by using malolactic fermentation which always adds a sort of creamy finish to a wine. As I said, it’s lush!

The Good Wine Shop £19

Watford Observer:

Caleo, Negroamaro del Salento

This is a prime example of why the Good Wine Shop is successful. They’re prepared to stock and recommend lesser know varieties and it pays off. Plenty of fruit, soft tannins and hints of spice on the finish. What's not to like?

The Good Wine Shop £9.50

Domaine George Petit Chablis

If you love chablis, and I do, this is a must buy. Flowery on the nose with good minerality and a lovely colour in the glass. The boys and girls in the store recommend trying this with shellfish or Dover sole, so go on, give your palate a treat this weekend.

The Good Wine Shop £15