The 10 Cases is the name of the restaurant, not my bar bill, and a very good one for wine lovers.

I had a very enjoyable lunch there today for a treat.

The 10 Cases menu is brief, and in the current heat, maybe a bit heavy, but that is excusable considering this summer’s autumnal conditions other than the last two days.

I opted to replace the starter with two ‘aperitif’ dishes of baby octopus and of artichokes, and a delicious main course of lemon sole with caper butter. The main may seem a bit of a throwback to the 70s in this era of experimental cuisine, but by keeping things simple, I think they also managed to keep them honest and relaxing.

The point here, though, is not just the food, but the wine list.  The name refers to the fact that they only buy a maximum of 10 cases of any wine, and when it is gone, they replace it with something different. It may be a bit confusing for those with a favourite, but wine lovers who appreciate diversity are sure to be fans.

The list itself was nicely varied but what attracted my attention was that there were not just ‘bankers’ like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc but unusual grapes, top regions and most alluringly, aged wines.

We were here for a celebration so started with two glasses of Moet & Chandon NV but then were able to order a 50cl carafe of a delicious golden Savennieres, the Domaine de Baumard 2000. This was exactly what I had hoped for. The nose was rich, aromatic, smelling more like a sweet Tokaj with honey and herbs. The taste, though, as any lover of this kind of Loire Chenin Blanc will tell you, is actually dry, and this had a tasty mix of those wild herbs, the honeyed citrus fruit, lovely fresh acidity and a slightly nutty, dry finish a little reminiscent of a sherry. Delicious with the fish.

If you are in the Covent Garden area of London and love wine (and food), do check them out.

The 10 Cases [on Google+ Local] 16 Endell St
LONDON
WC2H 9BD
020 7836 6801