What you need to know about Sir Ian Botham's wine collection

Known initially as a professional cricketer, Sir Ian Botham has had an illustrious career in the world of sport since he scored 100 in the first Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, winning by an innings and 57 runs. In his heyday, he could hit a ball at 90mph, but since retiring from the sport in 1992, he has also become a successful cricket commentator, a member of the House of Lords, a charity fundraiser and he has been chairman of Durham County Cricket Club since 2017. He unveiled his wine collection, Botham Wines, in 2019, and takes a proactive role in its creation. 

 Sir Ian Botham's journey into the world of wine

A life of international travel has certainly honed Sir Ian Botham's tastes in wine over the years. However, according to his own testimony his first introduction came at the age of 17 when he was playing for Somerset County Cricket Club and the journalist John Arlott gave him a sip. 

From that friendship and his global travels, his interest in wine blossomed, along with his knowledge. He produced his first wine alongside his friends, fellow cricketer Bob Willis and winemaker Geoff Merrill. It was a concept that took 17 years to mature, delivering its first vintage in 2001. His goal was great taste and great value, producing wines from Australia, New Zealand and the UK. 

What the reviews say about Sir Ian Botham's wine

Of course, no matter how famous the name on the label, if you really want to know about a champagne, the critics are the people to turn to. In that regard, Sir Ian Botham's wine is winning.

"It is a high standard of Chardonnay, with lots of peach and apricot fruit along with a touch of apple and grapefruit, giving it a fresh sensation on the finish. It’s not an especially complex wine, but has an appealing youthful fruitiness and balancing acidity. Certainly a good introduction to Botham’s tastes." - Patrick Schmitt MW, The Drinks Business (about The Botham All-Rounder Chardonnay)

"On the nose, it made me think of warm berry pie with a sprinkling of spice. There's also a nice whiff of oak in there. In the mouth, it's juicy and fruit forward with an incredibly long finish. We enjoyed this with a rather spicy vindaloo curry which really brought out the berries and vanilla in the wine." - Casey Bryan, The Travelling Corkscrew (about The Botham 81 Series Shiraz)

"Unlike many other celebrities, cricket legend Sir Ian has had actual involvement in his new wine project. Here, he wanted the lightly oaked Margaret River fruit to give a tropical, peachy flavour, which joins green apple, zippy grapefruit acidity and vanilla hints. Great value." - Tina Gellie, Decanter (about The All-Rounder Chardonnay)

Ian Botham's wine collection

Ian Botham Pinot Noir

Aromas of ripe red and black fruit, followed by a luscious combination of cherry and dark stone fruit flavours that are in abundance on the palate. A wonderful smooth silky Pinot Noir from New Zealand!

Buy the Botham 78 Series Pinot Noir here

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Ian Botham All Rounder Chardonnay 

Buy the Botham  All Rounder Chardonnay here

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Ian Botham 81 Series Shiraz

A full-bodied, typical old vine Barossa Shiraz – blueberry, black olive and granite notes, flecked with eucalyptus and dark chocolate. Decant and serve at room temperature this is as warming and comforting as wine gets.

Buy the Botham 81 Series Shiraz here

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Ian Botham 80 Series Coonawarra

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a serious and impressive, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra in South Australia. This wine is drinking well now but has some serious staying power with years ahead to evolve and age gracefully.

Buy the Botham 80 Series Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon here

Reviews:

Read reviews from Patrick Schmitt MW on The Drinks Business.

Casey Bryan, The Travelling Corkscrew: