The lost eon of lunch

Many congratulations to Alex, our London-based monthly columnist whose despatches alternate with those of Alder Yarrow of San Francisco, for having been recognised as Young Achiever of the Year in the Drinks Business 2012 Awards announced at the London International Wine Fair last month.

When is the best time to taste wine? Without a doubt, around ten o'clock in the morning. The senses are eager, the faculties fresh, and if (as I normally do) you have had the smallest of breakfasts, moderate hunger starts to pique the gustatory interest. The thought of mid-morning tasting – often for competitive purposes, or...