Avery-underwritten La Mission dinner

I had to remain at The London Clinic with Nick so couldn’t attend John Avery’s funeral last Friday, but according to David Boobbyer of Reid Wines, ‘it was as it should be: a celebration touched with sadness, very moving – and more importantly, he was on time!’

I thought it would be appropriate to publish collected tasting notes on the wines served on the first night of this year’s Southwold Bordeaux (2008) tasting which clearly illustrate John’s generosity. Each year ex-wine trader Lindsay Hamilton is given the task of co-ordinating the wines for the all-important dinners. This year’s themes were...