I think, therefore I drink – Chapter 18

When past and present are forged it can be tricky for the mind. Wine often does this to the drinker, and the company who gather over the bottle.

Something which carries a reputation from the past, like a 61, 05 or even a 45. When drunk today, expectation looms heavy and other equation elements must be correct. Company, food, and mood must do justice to the bottle. How do you appreciate the present, so reliant on the past? Sometimes we do not appreciate the small things. It requires self-discipline.

It reminds me of a rugby club conversation, the older I get the better I was, or that is what my sons tell me. But then the game was different. Nineteen years ago, when this wine was born, a different Labour PM was well into his leadership of the country. One worries over the symbolism. That part of the past makes me shudder. But 2005 was a great year, chosen for an Autumnal evening with a good friend from the Smoke visiting the Dales. 2005 Grand Puy Lacoste was the bottle; we opened two for good measure.

The Dales are changing, Autumn, as all my colleagues know at Traditum is my favourite season, and the colours of summer, green and purple are dying back filling the moors and woodland with an array of golden orange and yellow. These are great months for sport, food and friends in the pub with the fire. It reminds us that time and tide wait for no man. My friend and I chatted and reminisced on the move, taking in the scenery around Mitchell stock of beef and lamb on the hills, and lungs burning we piled on the miles in short order. After the effort, there is no better wine to be drunk. It was enjoyed with an old friend, decorated in His Majesty’s military and one hell of a back row player. Since my wedding where he was present, a year before the great vintage we are drinking, he has seen multiple actions across many tours and had snow and a lot of sand on his boots. Now retired, the country owes him a debt.

The wine is excellent, with a deep texture, tobacco taste, and even truffle. With a T-Bone (my favourite,) it is delicious. It brings out laughter, reflection and joy. A damn fine wine to be drunk with a damn fine fellow, and like all good wine it compels a moment to appreciate the present. Like the colours of autumn or the company of a loved one, you can take things for granted. Traditum is about building a legacy, the future of tradition we say with our favoured term, character. It is taking the best from the past and using it for the future. This wine and good friends are no exception.

Enjoy Grand Puy if you try it. Take a moment readers, life moves too fast and is too superficial. This wine will press pause and bring you authenticity.