Clos des Papes’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 made it onto Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2010 at number 10. Here are their notes:

René Rostaing is my Côte Rôtie hero. He is unbelievably clear about his mission in the vineyard and cellar – to make pure classic Syrah which shouts its origins

Anybody who tasted Graham Nutter’s wine at the Saatchi Gallery last week will know what fantastic wine he is making down in the Minervois. Here is his report from the 2010 Harvest:

Our biggest and best Rhone tasting yet (many many apologies to those who had to queue) with more producers and some really outstanding wines. Particularly impressive

Last week, I was fortunate to be experience a fantastic dinner celebrating over 20 years of Beaucastel. Hosted by Marc Perrin and Mistral, Beaucastel’s agent in the UK