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I met Etienne Hugel in Harrogate on Wednesday. We drank coffee and mineral water and talked about wine and food and mistresses. Etienne said he would return to Harrogate in May to host a Hugel Tasting Dinner for us at Rudding Park. We will sip chilled Muscat on the terrace and drink Riesling Classic 2007 and Riesling Jubilee 2000 with seared scallops. Pinot Gris Tradition 2007 and 1986 en magnum could partner strong fish or chicken. Pinot Noir Jubilee 2005 and 1999 en magnum could be drunk with fillet of beef.  Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive 2005 and Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles 1981 will accompany blue cheeses and Tart Tatin. Etienne will donate the Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer VT and SGN. “We will have fun” Etienne said. We sure will…

(David Ling was first billed to host the Hugel tasting dinner. I wrote to David to tell him of the change of plan and to apologise for same. He replied – “no problem at all, much better to have the organ grinder than the monkey!” (19 July)