What is your most memorable wine experience?

When I was far too young to be enjoying wine, I was lucky enough to have a few sips of a bottle of Mouton ‘45 with my father and godfather whilst taking in the beautiful Cornish scenery. I only wish my childhood memory could provide me with better tasting notes, but I do recall it was an exciting, “light bulb” moment for my little brain and the start of a life long love of wine.

If you could choose any wine from the CV Top 100, what would it be and why?

I am yet to meet a champagne I do not like. It’s simply the most luxurious and fun drink on Earth. If I had to choose one, I would opt for Robert Barbichon Quatre Cepage Cuvée Champagne. Barbichon is a biodynamic grower-producer from the Aube Champagne region. Though perhaps not especially well known, I have fond memories of visiting Robert Barbichon’s premises several times from a young age. This champagne makes a great aperitif and is a lovely expression of the limestone soils of the Cotes des Bars with a subtle chalkiness.

You’re throwing a dinner party and can invite anyone, dead or alive. Who do you invite and what would be your signature food and wine pairing?

I am passionate about horses, film and also enjoy a good laugh. As such, I would invite Event Rider Pippa Funnell, Film Director Peter Jackson and Comedian Suzy Eddie Izzard.

We would start with a truly hedonistic combination of La Tour Blanches 2003 Sauternes with foie gras, flambéed pears and toasted hazelnuts. This decadent amuse bouche sounds almost like a dessert, but I have yet to meet anyone who did not love it.

For the main event, I would pair turbot in a caper butter sauce with a fresh and fruity Moreau Naudet Premier Cru Montmains Chablis.