Unless the Chancellor relents, the New Year will see VAT go back to its old rate (or worse still, a higher one) which is going to raise the price of a bottle of wine still further (and create a great deal of work for the retail trade!).  Buying between now and Christmas / 1st January 2010 has got to be sensible.

There have been a couple of significant changes at Trout Wines since the 2008 list was published on this website.  The first of these has been an increase in the price of many wines, brought about by the killer combination of exchange rates all over the world going against the pound, considerably higher transport costs brought about by the rising price of fuel and an increase in duty in the Budget.  I have tried, wherever possible, to keep price increases on the wines listed here to an absolute minimum and I am confident that my selection continues to offer good value for money. 

The other, fairly drastic, change has been the reduction in my opening hours.  In recent times, my trade has polarised to afternoons and evenings and I found myself increasingly sitting at my desk from 10am till 1pm each day with very little business to show for it.  As a result, I have taken a part time job that occupies me for about 4 hours, 5 mornings a week but I am entirely at your disposal the rest of the time.  The shop will continue to be open outside the hours published on the "Opening Times" page of this website but please do telephone me to clarify the situation if you are thinking of making a visit.  I can also be contacted on my mobile number - 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 ¾ 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!  Just published

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 (wherever 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 - for reasons of space, not everything listed here has a tasting note or description.  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 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