Grilled Sparrow

I WAS GIFTED an installment of individualist winemaker Chester Osborn's 'Money Spider' Roussanne '05 from d'Arenberg [£8.99, Oddbins]. Allegedly so-called, because the first bunch of grapes was covered in auspicious arachnids, this somehow 'foggy' wine suggests a nose-bag of boiled celery, gooseberry, broad beans, pistachio and even food-grade grease. It develops grandly on the palate however, with a serving of lime pickle, rust and Brasso. An exceptional oddball which might work with grilled sparrow(!)

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The erudite chaps at The Whisky Exchange challenged me with two epicurious pairings today. 18YO Highland Park softened the leathery texture of West Country Venison carpaccio; whilst Compass Box's Peat Monster conspicously-copulated with bitter-sweet Roquefort impersonator, Lanark Blue, also from Scotland.

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Following on from approving Starbucks' latest slogan, I must say that having doused my wallet in Worcestershire Sauce (intense, spicy gravy notes with pulsating brown sauce elements), it does not 'add instant richness'...

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I can confirm that Lanson NV Black Label is defiantly on my list of least favourite Champagnes, along with Moët & Chandon NV. Both are irritating, rasping and tongue furring.