FROM THE VERY SOUTHERN 1978 TO THE VERY NORTHERN 2012

RECENTLY ENTERED: Crime, sorry, wine writing doesn’t pay. I am auctioning my case of 12 bottles of 1978 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE RED courtesy of Zachys Asia in Hong Kong on 16 January 2014. This has been with me for almost 35 years, therefore, but needs must. I last drank this wonderful wine with DANIEL BRUNIER at VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE a year ago, and the story behind it and its little cousin 1985 is told under VETERANS CORNER.

Of more recent hatching is 2012 CÔTE-RÔTIE. A full report on the vintage has been entered under 2012 NORTHERN RHÔNE, subtab THE LEADING WINES. Over 75 wines have been tasted, and the leading ones named. The current, revised status of the high, high quality DOMAINE JAMET, where the two brothers have gone their separate ways, is also covered.

DOMAINE VISITS: domaine visits were postponed until November this autumn due to late harvesting. News, quotes and tasting of wines have been posted from, at CONDRIEU, YVES GANGLOFF and DOMAINE GEORGES VERNAY.