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Chiselled Albariño from old vines in the Salnés Valley village of Meaño; like an orchard perched before the sea. Pairing with a juicy jumbo prawn curry, shells and all.

A rarity tonight: a Spourtiko from Paphos, Cyprus. From ungrafted vines in complex gypsum-limestone at 600m asl. Harvested in late October yet only 10.5% alcohol! Steely and salty with vibrant lime, red apple, and litchi.

Rkatsiteli from a small pioneer in the Akasheni microzone of Kakheti #Georgia. Macerated 6 months in qvevri (buried earthenware vessel). Fresh and limpid, textured and gripping, with harmonious notes of tea, flowers, pear, quince, cinnamon, and dried apricots ❤️

This is even better today. Absolutely stunning. Just oozing fruit and freshness while gripping the palate.

Silky tomato works so well in a risotto.

Montée de Tonnerre is Chablis's premier premier cru, and the vines in Cyril Testut's 1ha plot are over 60 year old. 2020 a good vintage for #Chablis

Remember all those crazy lockdown rules?

Humble 'Vin de France' from Roc des Anges in the Roussillon, but made in the Jura style under (an initially accidental) layer of flor yeast. Praised by Stéphane Tissot, and rightly so. Energetic and vibrant with a note of miso or dashi that paired excellently with sushi.

When Pholus opened a bottle of wine that had been gifted by Dionysus, the intense bouquet attracted the other centaurs and drove them into a frenzy.

Off the beaten track. Menetou-Salon adjoins Sancerre & this is probably its finest Pinot Noir. Made from 35 rows planted by Philippe's grandfather in the early 60s in a streak of iron-rich Kimmeridgian within the Champaloin vineyard. V fine but could do with 5 more years. #Loire

New wall hanging: reproduction of the original appellation map of France, by Louis Larmat (1945). What's most interesting is what's still missing, like Menetou-Salon and even Cahors.

Stunning Austrian Riesling, from near-centennarian vines on a calcareous, south-facing slope. Kremstal often a source of great value. Vintage 2016 and in the window.

Sur la Roche is Pouilly-Fuissé's highest PC. The better Pouillies benefit greatly from a few years, as if gaining in density & amplitude, & this 2017 proves the rule, w/ notes of cognac, toffee, & marzipan—yet fresh as a fossil. Pictured w/ the shelled remnants of a tasty dinner.

I bought a case of this after a trip to Austria, and the years have vindicated me. It's still a steal.

A Diego I brought back from Lanzarote. Only 3000 bottles made from 3ha, and you can see why! The ungrafted vines are more than centennarian. And the wine is both fresh and concentrated, with notes of pear, pineapple, cactus, tarragon, and sea spray.

Guessed Saumur on the nose alone—although later got the vintage quite wrong. We discussed the difference between Saumur and Saumur-Champigny.

Only 750 bottles made. Night harvest of Sangiovese and Sagrantino. Power, plumminess, earthy spice, umami, and freshness. Umbria's finest? Paired with veal and porcini in cream, mustard, and cognac.

Made a tarkha dahl!

Perfect dessert after an Indian meal, blooms the spices in the mouth. Not at all cloying with notes of blossom honey, citron, mango, anise, and, above all, Turkish delight 👌

Yesterday, Bordeaux set an all-time temperature record of 41.6C—so I'll quit complaining about Oxford's 32. #heatwavecrisis