Wojciech Bońkowski
Master of Wine

La Monardière Vacqueyras 2005

I’ve grown into something of a Southern Rhône addict. This 2005 Vacqueyras from Domaine La Monardière is hitting all the right notes for me.

Baudry Les Grézeaux 1996

Loire Cabernet Franc – the world’s best value red wine?

Marcel Richaud Cairanne 2000

One of those days when everything just goes fine. Including this stunning bottle of 11-year-old Côtes du Rhône. Worth three times its price.

Château Margaux 1996

I’ve just had the cheapest Château Margaux of my life.

High-alcohol bliss

Please drink more Banyuls! Vinous France’s best-kept secret: affordable, flexible and delicious.

Gourt de Mautens 2006

I’ve long wanted to taste a wine from this estate, but somehow it has always eluded me. Finally I got hold of a bottle. Expectations were high. It’s an excellent wine but I don’t like it.

Happy end

Why is every merchant in London selling (roughly) the same burgundies?

Under the watchful eye

Rubbing shoulders with 16th-century gentlemen.

Infinite riches

Tasting short of 1,000 burgundies in London.

Indulgence

Toasting the New Year with… Bordeaux.