Sartorially Smashing

ON TOUR with The Cellar Society 'Gastronomics' specialist, I helped present various bottles to well-heeled clients, first on Jersey, then Guernsey the following day. This was my first visit to these very beautiful, safe, sunny islands which are just 40 minutes flying time from London.

We stayed at a strikingly luxurious boutique townhouse - 'The Club'. This features handwritten welcome note from the management, goose down duvets, a well equipped honesty bar, friendly staff clad in sartorially smashing Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, and the most shapely, pristinely presented Eggs Benedict breakfast.

Our cast of vinous characters were strictly A-list, including the wine of another 'sunshine state'. The impressive '91 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon represents the 30TH vintage of this Napa icon.

With a sinewy, permeating nose of rhubarb, sweet sloe, Cola, lustrous gravy and sweet briar, this conceded to a juicy palate suggesting blackberry liquer and red fruits. Ultimately dry. Although considered amateur to do so, this wine could comfortably be described as hedonistic.

Other bottles included a poised biodynamic, tropical fruit laden white Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape '04 from the Perrin bros. who cultivate all 13 permitted varieties, and a harmonious graphite, tobacco and smoked cherry '90 St. Emilion, Château Troplong-Mondot.

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In the pictures: John Dory fillets with Braised Frog Leg; Goats Cheese Ice Cream, and Home Baked "phallic" Bread Roll standing proud on James' plate at The Club's Michelin starred restaurant, Bohemia.

FURTHER LINK: History of Eggs 'Benny'