Spectator Wine Club

I was snitched on last week. You know how it is – after a long, wine-soaked lunch in town, I tottered off full of bonhomie to catch the train back to Skid Row-on-Sea and, to ward off any incipient hangover, nipped into M&S for a couple of those little plastic bottles of rosé they have in the chiller.

I found myself a table, spread myself out a bit, hummed a cheery tune and beamed at one and all just to be friendly. The rosé had gone by Gatwick and it was good to be alive. Well, it was until I got home and found Mrs R on the doorstep with the rolling pin, hissing that I’d been spotted drunk on the train and must go straight to my room with no supper. That was my balloon pricked.

Three alcohol-free days were insisted upon, meaning I came to these wines from Tanners fresh, unsullied and expectant – and they didn’t disappoint. Indeed, I was so taken that we’re cramming nine in this week and, Robert Boutflower of Tanners being the gent he is, you can devise your own mixed case [by calling 01743 234455 and quoting 'Spectator'].