London Festival Brochure - Flipbook - Page 18
VP THEATRE ON THE MEZZANINE
with Oz Clarke OBE
Discover the stories behind the Vineyard Partner estates and their
terrific wines in these Theatre sessions, led by wine author and TV
personality Oz Clarke OBE. These sessions are open to everyone,
as well as Vineyard Partners. Places are allocated on a first-come,
first-served basis so do get there early to secure a seat.
“My mission – a joyful one – is to uncover the magic of the long-standing
relationships that Tony and Vineyard Partners have with these great wineries
and their winemakers. I’m certain each will be a lively, entertaining session.”
Tv presente
raconteur, r and
Oz Clarke
1. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN – CHÂTEAU LA CLARIÈRE
Join me in conversation with Tony Laithwaite to discover how he boldly took on this modest
Right Bank Castillon estate and vowed to make wines there to rival the very finest from SaintÉmilion next door. Tony made it his life mission and with the help of La Clarière Vineyard
Partners, he has more than succeeded, winning Trophies and top awards along the way. This
was the start of the Vineyard Partner programme that I know so many of you enjoy today. Hear
about Tony’s journey and the many milestones along the way.
Friday and Saturday evening at 6.30pm
Saturday and Sunday lunchtime at 12.30pm
2. NEW WORLD PARTNERSHIPS
Together we take an in-depth look at the great wines from four New World Partnerships. First in line
is Home Block Sauvignon Blanc from Hunter’s, the family estate that first put New Zealand wine on
the map; the beautifully balanced Hérisson Chardonnay from Adam Mason’s cool coastal South
African vineyards; the silky elegance of Bordeaux-born Hervé Fabre’s old-vine GGG Malbec from
Gualtallary, Argentina; and for the finale, the powerful, barrel-matured 1888 Barossa Shiraz from the
flagship eco-focused winery RedHeads, Australia.
Friday and Saturday evening at 7.20pm
Saturday and Sunday lunchtime at 1.20pm
3. NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THE SPANISH INQUISITION, OR DO THEY?
I interrogate two terrific, rule-breaking ‘imposter’ producers working in Spain – Bordeaux-born JeanMarc Sauboua and Sharon Wade, wife of Norrel Robertson and now closely involved in all aspects
of the business. Both Jean-Marc and Norrel travelled the world, sharpening their skills, before
making Spain their destiny. The former in Rioja’s beautiful Altos and the latter in ancient Calatayud.
Each today makes outstanding Vineyard Partner wines from the grapes of old, high-altitude vines –
Altos R Pigeage and Sierra de los Sueños. Similarities stop there. This is certain to be a lively debate.
Friday and Saturday evening at 8.10pm
18
Saturday and Sunday lunchtime at 2.10pm
