“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.

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.

St Denis, an Italian bishop (3rd century) was the first bishop of Paris & famed for his evangelization, which resulted in his beheading at Montmartre. The story goes that afterwards he tucked his head under his arm & continued to preach all the way to the suburb of St Denis.

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.

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

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

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.

Such a good idea from a friend to go for afternoon tea @TheLanesborough. The room revives the spirit, the food so pretty and delicious and a glass of @Krug the perfect final touch. The egg and truffle sandwich is inspired and Bridgerton Tea beautifully perfumed.

Proving that age is just a number, Keith Prior recently passed his WSET Level 2 Award in Wines at the age of 92 - with merit, no less! Keith said, "Taking this course has encouraged me to try wines from countries outside of Europe. Thank you for this fresh outlook on life!"

Monte Bello was originally planted with Chardonnay by retired theologian William Short in the late 1940s. By 1985, younger vines were added. 2006, tough vintage, aged gracefully. Drink now! Humble village Pommard with vines that are over a 100 years old. 2019 was a touch young.

Just found my 8 year old drawing this (while he was meant to be asleep). He told me that he had learned at school that today was the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz so this was an important message. Am so proud of him.