The word from goat-watchers and Ken Ring, that New Zealand long-range weather forecaster, is that we'll get a good summer, but not right now. Check out  here  for details.

But the reason WE reckon summer is near is that we've just taken delivery of the latest vintages from the super Abbé Rous cooperative in the south of France. They produce a great range of high-quality wines from Languedoc and Roussillon and we've become accustomed over the years to people looking around our south of France section and exclaiming ‘Oh! Wine from Collioure! I had a lovely holiday there!' or ‘Mmmmmm. Banyuls. Did you ever try that with chocolate?' (This one is usually accompanied by the sort of knowing winks normally reserved for more adult conversations.)

So we have 8 new vintages in stock from Collioure, Banyuls, Côtes du Roussillon Villages and Rivesaltes. Two of them are on the tasting counter this weekend including the Cuvée des Peintres Collioure Blanc 2010, one of the best-improved wines I've tasted in a long time. Smooth, rich, fruity and real value at €14.95.

Seperately, but equally importantly, I want to take this opportunity to wish Conor Harrington all the very best in his new journalistic career. Conor, also known as the ‘Big Tall Lad from Cavan' has been with us since we opened in 2007 but has just finished his studies and already embarked on a career in journalism. We will miss him greatly for his good humour, caring approach and wine knowledge but we are delighted that he's already on his way to journalistic stardom.

Have a great weekend,

Peter