Bampfield Uncorked

After eight years in the wine trade, Richard Bampfield became an MW in 1990 and set up his own business www.winevents.co.uk with his wife Jackie. Among others, he consults for Yvon Mau (Bordeaux), Albert Bichot (Burgundy) and Dom Pérignon.

Richard Bampfield MW tasting for the Global Pinot Noir Masters

What Vintage are you?
1959 … some delicious clarets

What bottle sparked your love of wine?
Château Beychevelle 1971.  Drunk at Jules Bar on Jermyn Street in 1978. Both the wine and the venue were way out of my league…….and the spell was cast.

Ambition or talent?
Both matter – but it’s what you do with them that matters more.

What would you be as a wine?
I would be a Chardonnay. Well-rounded (I like to think), adaptable, eager to please and with the capacity to sparkle in the right environment. I travel with ease and pleasure and am capable of occasional profundity.

Where are you happiest?
Outside, in the freshest air possible. Accompanied by family, friends, wildlife and (yes, I’ll say it) alcohol.

What’s your greatest vice?
Alcohol. Seems to be a theme developing here, so I had better add in moderation.

Best advice you ever got?
Concentrate fully on your own sphere of influence and don’t waste time and energy worrying about the things that you cannot influence.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?
1760 Terrantez.

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?
The prices (if you are a consumer). The prices (if you are a producer).

Personal satisfaction (Parker points)
96

Desert island vine?
Pinot Noir. Makes sensational reds if the tide is right and, if not, also makes top class sparkling, white and rosé.