A Father’s Influence and the First Sips
Like many of life’s great passions, my love for wine wasn’t something I sought out—it was gently, but insistently, thrust upon me by my father. Every glass he poured was, according to him, “the best wine you’ll ever taste.” I believed him, of course, because when you’re young and someone with authority hands you a glass of something mysterious and grown-up, you don’t argue—you just drink and nod in agreement, hoping it’s not another lesson in character-building.
From Big Bold Reds to the Old World
Back then, my taste leaned heavily towards California and Australian wines. Big, bold, fruit-forward reds that didn’t require much contemplation—just enjoyment. The kind of wines that slap you in the face with flavour and then hug you afterwards. But as the years rolled on, my palate took a turn. Somewhere along the way, I left my New World favourites behind and wandered into the Old World, where I found depth, structure, and history in every bottle. It was like upgrading from a blockbuster action film to a slow-burning, critically acclaimed drama—you start noticing the details, the layers, the plot twists.
Before that transition, though, there was The Cork and Bottle in Leicester Square. In my late 20s, a friend of mine worked there, and this was before my formal introduction to Bordeaux. The Cork and Bottle was a legendary underground wine bar, a hidden gem beneath the chaos of London’s West End. My friend would often slip me tastes of wines I could never afford, a little like window shopping but with your taste buds. Each sip opened my eyes to just how vast and varied the world of wine could be. It was the first place I realised that price tags and prestige weren’t the only things that made a wine special—it was about the experience, the setting, and the people you shared it with. And sometimes, the joy of drinking something way out of your budget when no one was looking.
Bordeaux, Ribera del Duero, and Everyday Indulgences
A knowledgeable friend later introduced me to Bordeaux, and that was it—I was hooked. Bordeaux led to Burgundy, Burgundy led to Tuscany, and eventually, I found my way to Spain, where Ribera del Duero captured my heart. Emilio Moro’s Malleolus became a go-to favourite, a bottle I can always count on to deliver something special. It’s an everyday indulgence—perhaps not for everyone’s budget, but for those who love wine, it offers the depth, structure, and sheer enjoyment that make every sip worthwhile without breaking the bank. Think of it as the designer suit you bought on sale—it still feels luxurious, but you don’t have to sell a kidney to afford it.
Champagne Epiphany and the Magic of Time Capsules
Champagne, on the other hand, was a late bloomer in my affections. It wasn’t until about twenty years ago that I truly learned to appreciate it, thanks to a friend—the chairman of the Champagne Association—who invited me to a series of tastings with all the major houses. I suddenly found myself sitting at a table with the teams from Mumm, Bollinger, and Ruinart, desperately trying to look like I belonged. That was the night my relationship with Champagne changed forever. Ruinart, in particular, became a firm favourite.
To this day, when I pull a bottle out of the fridge—sometimes after years of cellaring—I’m instantly transported back to the moment I bought it, the people I was with, and the stories that surrounded it. Each bottle isn’t just a drink; it’s a time capsule, holding laughter, celebrations, or even quiet nights of contemplation. My wonderful wife shares this journey with me, even taking WSET exams alongside me, and she’s just as passionate—and just as guilty of adding to our ever-growing collection. Sometimes we open a bottle, sometimes we put it back, telling ourselves we’ll save it for the perfect occasion. But after years of collecting, I’ve realised that the best moment is the one you choose. Life throws enough curveballs, and the real magic of wine is in the memories it helps create—not in the waiting. Whether it’s a grand celebration, a casual dinner, or just a Tuesday night with a great book, I believe great bottles should be enjoyed when the moment feels right. Wine is always great with friends, but let’s be honest—sometimes the best drinking companion is just you, your thoughts, and a really good glass of something special.
A Rekindled Love for California Reds
Recently, my love for California reds has been rekindled. A recent toast to Schrader and Colgin reminded me why I first fell for these wines—bold, powerful, and unforgettable, much like a classic rock anthem. My journey has come full circle in some ways, proving that taste is ever-evolving, just like the best wines themselves. And, on occasion, so is my opinion on screw caps.
The Journey Continues
And that’s the beauty of wine—it’s a journey that never truly ends. It’s meant to be shared, savoured, and sometimes, yes, even debated over a long dinner. I hope to share my journey with many more people, which is why I invite you to follow along—whether through my Instagram, my newsletter, or right here on this site, WineGuide101.com. Because great wine is never just about the bottle—it’s about the people who share it with you. Cheers to that!
