One of the constraints of my hectic travel schedule is that too frequently it robs me of the opportunity to post posts. Conversely it does, however provide much material.

Last week whilst in Miami on business we had Thursday dinner in The Forge. A strange old place: part Munsters living room and part wood panelled library. But with more wine. In fact, a great deal more wine and of ancient vintage too. The vertical collection of Lafitte was behind locked gates - which was just as well as they had some from the late 1800's....

We were treated by the 'dai lo ban' to some exquisite wines:

Joseph Drouhin Pinot Noir 2002 from Oregon
Duckhorn Merlot 2000 - Three Palms
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 from the Napa Valley
Gaja Barbaresco (forgot the vintage)
Mouton Rothschild 2000
and a port from 1977... but by then my powers of observation had waned...

I wandered some of the hallways and could not believe what I found. Every bottled treasure known to man. Some highlights:

La Tache, Richebourg, Echezeaux and DRC Romanee Conti. All from 1961. They had older ones too... I found a '34
Latour, Margaux, Petrus, Lafitte, Mouton Rothschild - numerous vintages. Bottles and Magnums
Y'quem - the oldest I found was a '52 I think
Vast quantities of white burgundy, cotes du rhone, champages and ports.....
Opus One from Mondavi......there were so many.

When we get the three minute warning anyone in Miami should just go straight there. See you at the gates with your bolt cutters - the '61 Lafitte has my name on it.