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The Liberator The Bishop of Norwich 2018

19% abv

Vol- 75cl

A revisit to Rick’s first ever seasonal offering, this Cape ‘Port’, aged in cask for two years. Produced from a vineyard planted back in 1965, this field blend is from Muratie Farm, Simonsberg, Stellenbosch includes a selection of classic Portuguese grape varieties -Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francesca, Souzão

Typically British initiative, the tradition of ‘passing the Port’ dates back centuries and comes with its own particular etiquette. It dictates that once a diner has poured a glass for his neighbour on the right, the decanter should be passed immediately to the left, with the vessel not halting from its clockwise progression around the table until such time as the decanter is emptied.

If someone is seen to be failing in their duties, the breach is brought to their attention by enquiring, ‘Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?’ For those who know the true meaning of this euphemism, it serves as a timely reminder, while for those who don’t, they are politely informed ‘He’s a terribly good chap, but he always forgets to pass the Port…’

The origin of the saying is attributed to one Henry Bathurst, who was the Bishop of Norwich from 1805 to 1837. Bishop Bathurst lived to the age of 93, but had a tendency in his later years to fall asleep at the end of his dinner. As a result, decanters would often accumulate around him, much to the consternation of others seated further along the table. As a bon vivant and with a prodigious capacity for wine consumption, some claimed that he was using his frailty to his own advantage.

Some authorities claim, however, that the saying originated with Bishop John Sheepshanks – the protagonist featured on The Liberator label. He held the position from 1893 to 1910 and although the most plausible origin lies with Bishop Bathurst, it would seem that the Bishop Sheepshank did much to perpetuate the myth.

So, raise a glass to Post-Brexit Britain, when we might once again align ourselves with the former colonies and welcome back Australian ‘Sherry’ and South African ‘Port’.

Rick is sure the Bishop would approve. Now, pass the Port…

500bts made

£23.00inclusive of Duty and VAT

Limited stock, only 2 remaining

Some say that The Liberator conjures up images of a disguised, cloaked superhero, charging around the Winelands rescuing bottles in distress. But this is no Superman. He’s just plain Rick; a Cape crusader perhaps, but one where cloaks are exchanged for a rather tatty Harris Tweed jacket and any superhuman powers are substituted by a supposedly blessed palate.
On his regular jaunts around the Cape, Rick is confounded by the number of great wines that are resigned to a tragic fate of being blended away or disposed of in bulk. It might be an occasional experimental batch, or possibly an interesting off-cut from some proud winemaker’s latest premium release. Whatever their provenance, it’s his mission as The Liberator to procure these precious vinous orphans and consign them to a better home.

Inevitably, each wine discovered by The Liberator comes with its own story; a tale of its untimely existence. You’ll find that every release has its testimony recounted, in bottle and on screen, as a unique and evocative Episode.

Reference #:
13181
Strength
19 ABV
Bottles per Case
6 bottles
Grapes
Tempranillo (Tinto Fino / Tinto Roriz / Tinto de Toro), Tinta Barroca
Organic
No
Biodynamic
No
Vegan
No
Vegetarian
No
Sparkling
No

What do I pay for delivery?

Orders under £150 are charged an initial £9.95 incl. VAT.

Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly.
Orders under £190 are charged an initial £12.00 incl.

All stock bought from Bond will be charged at delivery cost as quoted by the bond. As this varies dependent on the location of the wines and ultimate destination this will be quoted to you at the point of billing for VAT and duty.

And can we change order.

Deliveries are normally between 09.00 and 17.00 Tuesday to Friday and a signature is required on receipt of delivery. (We do not ship on a Friday for Monday delivery unless specifically requested to do so).

A shipping confirmation email will be sent when your order has been processed and shipped. You will be sent a further email and/or text with a delivery time slot and a consignment number along with instructions on how to amend this if required.

If you are out a card is left, with an instruction to call the local depot to re-arrange delivery. Alternatively, you can inform us to “leave safe”, “leave with a neighbour”, “leave in garage” etc. and we will pass this information onto the courier. Please remember that, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions, alcohol will only be left with persons over 18 Years Old.

A shipping confirmation email will be sent when your order has been processed and shipped. You will be sent a text with a delivery time slot and a consignment number along with instructions on how to amend this if required.

We use Mailsafe packaging and double walled cardboard boxes for secure shipping of all bottles. Clear labelling marked FRAGILE is applied and all our despatches.

UK mainland deliveries are overnight from confirmation of despatch with the exception of the following postcodes where deliveries are made on a 2 to 5 day service from despatch : 

IV 3 to 11, IV14 to 28, IV 40 & IV 51 to 54, IV 63. KW 1 to 3 & KW 5 to 14. PH 33 to 41