Richard Saxton:FindWine's new wine critic

Innovative online wine retailer FindWine (www.findwine.co.uk) has announced the appointment of its very own wine reviewer and critic – Richard Saxton.

A lawyer by day, Saxton is the inspiration behind the blog The Graped Crusader (www.thegrapedcrusader.co.uk) and has regular wine columns in Bullring Browse, Sommelier India Magazine and Smudge Magazine.

The appointment follows an online competition, where FindWine customers and ‘every day wine consumers’ were given the opportunity to submit tasting notes and reviews of one of FindWine’s wines, The Opportunist Shiraz. The only catch was that they needed to round up five friends, crack open the bottle, each write a tasting note and then post the results on the FindWine Facebook page.

Saxton, who beat off fierce competition from over 300 entrants, will receive samples of every new wine added to the FindWine range over a three-month period and be responsible for crafting a fun, informative and amusing tasting notes to be published on the site. In addition, the Saxton will have his own regular blog on the site and further web presence.

Commenting on the appointment, FindWine founder Mike Howes said: “The response to the search for new wine writing talent was overwhelming, but it was Richard who really stood out. His passion, wit and obvious love of wine was a real draw card, and his informal, approachable style of writing was a big hit with the panel of judges.”

Saxton adds: “I’m hugely excited to have been chosen as the inaugural FindWine wine critic. I’ve got the utmost respect for the guys at FindWine, and love their innovative, fresh approach. I can’t wait to slurp my way through the range and post my reviews on the site.”