We had a fun family day today. It brought together the Steeles (my mother’s family) with the Guillebauds (the family of my mother’s sister’s husband) for a day of joliiness,…
Tosca in Orange
Just back from a few days staying in Avignon, as guest of Chateauneuf producer Ogier. The reason for the trip was that Ogier are sponsors of the Choregies d’Orange. Last…
A Champagne-filled day
Yesterday was all about Champagne. And not just any Champagne. First, a lunch with Bollinger, focusing on RD (1997, 1996, 1995, 1988, 1976, 1959). Then a one-to-one with Richard Geoffroy,…
The heatwave
For the last few weeks it has been a very un-English summer. Hot, sunny, settled. The normally green English landscape has turned a parched pale yellow. I can’t remember a…
No wine tonight, but travel woes
So the world’s worst airline was late tonight. No stupid corny car horn hoot as the plane landed past midnight at Stansted for Ryanair tonight. Problem is, arriving this late…
Off to Piedmont, but not for long enough
I’m currently on the Stansted Express, on my way to the airport to fly to Piedmont. Unfortunately, I won’t be there for long – I arrive in Bergamo tonight at…
Shortlist for 2010 Roederer Awards revealed
The Roederer shortlist for 2010 has been revealed – I’m shortlisted in three categories, but what really counts is winning one, and we’ll have to wait for September to find…
Some wine references in films
Two good films, recently watched, both had some nice wine references. First, in Zombieland there’s a scene in Bill Murray’s house where Witchita and Columbus drink some Beaulieu Georges de Latour…
Some lovely Marlborough Pinot Noir
Up early today, for another series of interviews with scientists involved with the Sauvignon Blanc research program. Again, I learned a great deal. Pictured above is a vial of isobutylmethoxypyrazine,…