Our first proper day of tasting. The not particularly inspiring countryside of the Medoc is at its best on a perfect bright sunny day.

On the lunchtime BA flight to Bordeaux the day before the start of the UGC it is impossible not to wonder if there is a collective noun for wine merchants.

Last weekend witnessed a very select gathering at Castello di Argiano with the greatest and most generous hosts Giuigi and Sarah Sesti

When Johnny, Tom and I visited Bordeaux last week to explain the changes at Goedhuis & Co and the purchase of David Roberts Domaines to the leading negociants and Chateaux owners it gave us the perfect opportunity to get a sneak preview on the 2009 vintage.

When one thinks of Egypt, one maybe conjures up visions of 3000 years of history nurtured by the mighty Nile , preserved in the sands of the Sahara…….. others may just think of Mohammed Al Fayed queuing up at the UK passport office again.