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 Saint-Bacchus: Jim, Christine Ontivèro, Michel Smith and André Dominé

Saint-Bacchus: Liz Morcom MW, Lisa Barnard, Jim, Tim Johnston, Giles MacDonogh, Tim Atkin and Anthony Rose

 

Saint-Bacchus (another year): includes Myriam Huet, Olivier Poussier, Stephen Brook, Tim Atkin

 

Circle of Wine Writers tasting: John  Livingstone-Learmonth, unknown, Alastair Mackenzie, Lilyane Weston, Charlotte Lessing, Pamela Vandyke Price, John McNerney (behind)

I was very sorry to learn late last night that Jean-Pierre had died of cancer during the night of Sunday (3rd) and Monday (4th) May aged 65. Ex-rugby player Jean-Pierre was a major figure in Languedoc wine and was one of the architects of the success of the annual Toques et Clochers auction of barriques of Limoux Chardonnay, showing the quality of the wines from one of southern France's cooler areas.

Although it has been a number of years since I had seen Jean-Pierre, I will long remember this towering man’s huge enthusiasm, energy and the work he did to improve and promote the wines of the Languedoc. Wine writer Giles Macdonogh claimed that his fingers still felt JP’s powerful and bone crushing handshake for years after they had been first introduced!

Obits and appreciations here, here and here.