Burgundy bounty of 2005

WHEN I read Andre Simon's definition of a connoisseur as "one who knows good wine from bad and appreciates the different merits of different wines", it cheered me up, especially after finding out that I am hopeless at blind tastings!

The Oxford dictionary's definition is similar: "An expert in matters involving the judgement of beauty, quality or skill." Not quite the general understanding that a connoisseur has to be an EXPERT, in capital letters. Which means all or most of us are or can be connoisseurs in varying degrees.

This thought was comforting during a recent wine-tasting session which was themed White Burgundy Village or Premier Cru 2005. A small, informal group gathered in the home of the convenor, young professionals and business executives, all great enthusiasts, all much younger than me.