Wanted: new member for The Bunch

The Bunch, a group of independent UK wine retailers with a like-minded ethos, is in search of a new recruit to bring its member tally up to six, or possibly even seven.

Following the acquisition of Lay & Wheeler by Majestic earlier this year, the fine wine merchant now no longer qualifies for a place in the group.

"It was a tough decision to make, but it was the right one," said Jason Yapp of Yapp Brothers, whose turn it was to organise this year’s annual tasting and who had the added responsibility of discussing Lay & Wheeler’s departure from the group with the Majestic-owned merchant.  

The culling of Lay & Wheeler from The Bunch leaves the door open for new recruits, although every retailer remained tight-lipped about the short-listed candidates at the tasting.

Whoever makes the cut will need to ensure quality wine is at the heart of its business if last Thursday’s tasting is anything to go by.

There were several excellent wines on show. Highlights included Passopisciaro 2006 from Corney & Barrow, Ostertag’s Riesling Heissenberg 2005 from Berry Bros. & Rudd and Domaine Paul Misset Nuits-Saint-Georges 2002 from Yapp Brothers.

The five current members of The Bunch are Adnams, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Corney & Barrow, Tanners and Yapp Brothers.

Jane Parkinson, 14.09.2009