Very true David – Enomatic machines and Coravin can at least help people taste the wines, if not share a bottle. I owe a lot to those two for my knowledge of ‘the classics’.

It is indeed sad that young wine lovers are losing the chance to get a taste for the wonders of well aged wines. But it’s hardly surprising as they can’t afford the damned things. This is what older wine writers don’t get. Established as they are they often forget that the youth of today may be saddled with student debt and saving for the impossible dream of a place of their own. Collecting wine as a hobby is far from their minds.

I feel so lucky. Wine in the 1980s, when I started, was easier. Less good wine and more affordable. But at least there is now a bigger choice, and these earlier drinking styles give people exciting wine they can afford.