Sara Guiducci

“A real connoisseur does not drink wine but tastes of its secrets” - Salvador Dali. Xavier story is exceptional and summed up in the crest; wings for his time in the airforce, roots for his time now in the vineyard. The image of 2 swords crossing; his legal journey to get here

‘Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason to drink Champagne’ - Oscar Wilde

The Morey locals are nicknamed les loup (wolves). A 1000 years ago a terrible famine hit Morey, but not the village of St. Philibert. When a cow disappeared, the people of Morey were accused of theft, they blamed the ‘wolves’ & the Morey locals have been called wolves ever since

The French name ‘Denis’ is derived from the Creek Dionysus and the bishop, while in Italy, was known as Dionysus.  Though not meant as such, it feels rather appropriate that a Grand Cru is called after the ancient Greek god of wine.

The village of Morey, added the name of its most famous vineyard (Clos St Denis) to its name in 1927, the last Burgundian village to hyphenate its name as such.

A relic of Saint’ Denis’ jaw was housed at the monastery of St Vivant in Vergy & the monks there planted the vineyard of Clos-St-Denis, hence the name of the Grand Cru.

It is past 6 o’clock. Time for a G&T in the garden before making dinner. Sprig of rosemary gives a savoury note and a reminder of lazy summer days. Loving the sun!

Today in Oxford, the sun will set at 18:01 and won't set before 18:00 until Tuesday 21 October. Spring is on the way 🌸 📷 Instagram | DrTSuleymanov

Missing the garden looking like this…..sun has disappeared and summer looks suddenly far away

Great to share a good bottle with a friend. My first try of Lingua Franca. Far too young, so we double decanted it. Glossier and deeper than I had expected (was thinking more California than Oregon), but delicious. Great to be ⁦@PhilglasSwiggot⁩. End of an era.

It is 'goodbye' to Odney. Thank you for not eating us up, instead giving us the positive encouragement that we need for the next few months.

Luxury is.......Getting up early to finish something and someone has lit a fire

@jimshaps @mastersofwine 2010 Valbuena and 2004 Unico (the latter was exceptional after time in the glass)

@Dutch_G @mastersofwine What was your preference? Obviously the cheapest but I've always thought valbuena is an incredible wine. Did you see the other 2 big names as out performers?

Fun way to finish the day with @mastersofwine Fascinating to see just how different people's preferences are. That is what makes wine fun.

Tasting port is always a treat! When blind tasting but comes real fun. Tasting time in a glass

@Masterofwhine I think it often overperforms :-)

20 year old white Bordeaux like it’s no problem! Domaine de Chevalier always performs:

@Masterofwhine Really changed since 2014 and the last 5 years especially have seen some really exceptional wines. 2023 rocks.

Great bottle from last night! I never enjoyed the Gouges style from the noughts but these recent vintages are excellent:

@farmervines It juxtaposes beautifully the savoury & earthiness with bright red fruit. Noticeable exotic notes from oak, but balanced by the intensity of the fruit. It started its evolution in a lovely way, but no rush to drink it. Keeps changing in the glass. Very classical in a good way

@Dutch_G Tasting note please.

This German 'Grand Cru' is a true beauty. From 45-100 year old ungrafted vines from the steep south facing vineyard just behind Alexander Stodden's house. I always think there is a close personal connection to a vineyard next to 'home' as you see all the changes of the season.