9th Jul 2010
The sommelier's eyebrows arched like circumflex accents as he spat the words back at me, Gallic steam hissing from his ears. "Vous voulez un seau à glace?" he demanded incredulously, as neighbouring tables turned to stare. Why... Read more
1st Jul 2010
How do you spend $47,221.09 on lunch for six people? Assuming your credit card company will authorise the transaction, it's surprisingly easy if you're a billionaire. To paraphrase Withnail in the cult film, Withnail & I, you just order... Read more
15th Apr 2010
There were sixteen flags fluttering forlornly in the drizzle outside Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, each representing a different nation. Some of them were making their debuts at the 2009 en primeur tastings, specifically installed to... Read more
8th Apr 2010
In the wake of a good vintage, en primeur week in Bordeaux is like a cross between the Oscars, a fashion show and a particularly raucous trading floor. The hype, glamour and sense of expectation are unrivalled in the sedate world of wine. If... Read more