There is no question about it – the position of the small independent wine merchant has become increasingly hard (precarious, even) in the last 2 years or so.  The lowering of the VAT rate may have assisted some retailers but it had little effect here.  Duty has gone up steadily, allegedly in order to discourage binge drinking.  In reality, it is just an added tax on those of us who drink sensibly.  Happily the new Government granted us a stay of execution in the Emergency Budget but drink (and everything else) will become even more expensive when (if…?) VAT rises to 20% in January 2011.

The selection offered in these pages is smaller than in previous years.  Prices have risen across the board as a result of regular duty increases, higher transport costs and adverse exchange rates (particularly the Euro) and I have stopped listing several wines that no longer offer value for money.  Trade has suffered as a consequence of these various factors and it is slim consolation that most other wine businesses are in the same boat.  Outside the supermarkets (which loss-lead on wines all the time), it has become virtually impossible to find wine that you would want to drink for under £5 a bottle.  

But I can do something about this, with your help.  To put it simply – the more wine that you buy from Trout Wines, the more I can expand the range again and, maybe, bring prices down.  Please help me to help you!

Most of you have taken my new reduced hours in your stride and I thank you, most sincerely, for continuing to buy wine at The Trout.  I am still at your disposal if I am here (and know you are coming!).  The shop continues to be open outside the hours shown on the front page but please do telephone if you are thinking of making a visit ‘out of hours’.  I can also be contacted on my mobile - 0777 61 44 333 if you only get an ansaphone message here.

The number of wines offered with screw tops has increased, again, and will continue to do so, I feel sure.  As before, these wines are marked with the initials ST, since I haven't yet found a suitable alternative symbol.

We are delighted to quote prices for delivery to any part of the UK mainland which, wherever possible, will be on our own vehicles but we cannot guarantee either speed or cheapness!  Please do ask - you may be surprised.  See below for details.

Wine continues to be what this list is all about - wine that has been selected because it is interesting, enjoyable and which, while offering good value for money, is not included because it fits an arbitrarily set 'price point'.  Nearly three quarters of the wines in this list fall between £6 and £12 per bottle because this is where, I believe, the best value is to be found.  These are wines to be passionate about - I hope you will share that passion.

Please note:  the discounted prices in the main list apply to mixed and unmixed cases.  And if, heaven forbid, you decide that you do not like a wine bought from us, we will happily exchange unopened bottles.

Anthony Whitaker

Domaine André Brunel Est-Ouest 2005  Côtes du Rhône

Casual Aga Cooking - lavishly illustrated in colour, featuring all new recipes for confident, effortless cooking.  An absolute must for cooks everywhere - you don't need an Aga to make these recipes work!

Click here for more details.

Deliveries - Prompt, free delivery (minimum 12 bottles of wine) within 20 mile radius of Nether Wallop and in London.  We can deliver to other areas by arrangement (whenever possible, at no extra charge) so those living more than 20 miles from The Trout need not be afraid to order from this list!

Discounts - Please note that the case price shown in this list applies to any purchase of at least one dozen bottles of wine, which can be mixed.  You do not have to buy 12 bottles of the same wine to qualify for the discount.  The reductions offered vary between 5% and 10% (sometimes more) so it does pay to buy by the case.

Credit cards - We accept payment by Mastercard, Visa, Delta and Maestro for all transactions over £10.  Please note that we can also take credit card payments over the telephone, subject to the standard security procedures.

Services - Free glass hire / Sale or Return facility / The Search for the Obscure (let us find your favourite wine, the one you thought you couldn't get any longer).

Wine descriptions - If you would like further information about anything listed, just ask!

Email / Website - if you would like to receive further copies of this list as an email attachment, please email  anthony@troutwines.co.uk   The website is updated regularly with new wines and vintage changes so please come back and have another look from time to time.

Terms and Conditions - All wines are offered subject to availability.  Prices are quoted per bottle or unit and are inclusive of VAT (where applicable).  Prices are correct at time of publication but are subject to any duty or exchange rate fluctuations.  Discounted prices are offered on the basis that full case quantities are purchased and collected from The Trout.  E&OE