One of the most exciting aspects of my job is spotting new talent, whether it be the redoubtable MW student Richard Hemming (who has diligently flown off on a round-the-world tour, presumably all part of his studies) or, more usually, new wine producers. This week I am immersed in blind tastings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras – all from the 2008 vintage. Yesterday was Gig and Vacq, and it sometimes seemed that you had to be a superstar to make a real go of it. Yesterday's Vacqueyras tasting in particular seemed relatively weak with 36 wines that were mostly pretty scrawny with very drying tannins on the finish....