David Eley: " Guillaume has captured the essence of a special world, he has helped us to understand more and share his unique perspective "

A professional artist for over 23 years David Eley has concentrated on fine wine and gastronomy for fourteen, painting the vignerons, vineyards and chefs. Living much of the year on the Spanish/French frontier near San Sebastian in the heart of the Basque country, David is surrounded by a galaxy of Michelin starred chefs. From Douro, where he is currently doing a great job in this beautiful portuguese wine region,

"A Fabulous Year at Chateau Gruaud Larose provides a clear sense of Guillaume Jourdan's immense passion for a truly exceptional place: I too love the Medoc and most particularly St Julien; Guillaume's intimate and clearly defined portraits of moments, places and sensations illuminate and entertain. Humour is ever present and knowing Guillaume Jourdan's sensitivity for his subject while reading his prose, I am filled with nostalgia for a place that I know can steal your heart. The Medoc is not a' flat piece of land' with some interesting vineyards, it is a magical peninsula flanked by ocean and river, over-arched by big Atlantic skies and mesmerizing light effects. Whatever the season, to see the meticulous work carried out in these vineyards by dedicated souls whose life's work is to enhance our own spirits, is to gain a glimpse into the world of pristine perfectionism - understood by too few. We might all appreciate the contents of great bottles but too few of us comprehend the dedication and heart poured into four seasons of a great Bordeaux chateau. Gruaud Larose is such a classic chateau and in Guillaume Jourdan it has a priceless, articulate and sensitive advocate.The greatest praise for Guillaume Jourdan is to say he has captured the essence of a special world, he has helped us to understand more and share his unique perspective. I know how Guillaume lives, sleeps and breathes fine wine, knowing this, I congratulate him for articulating the meaning of a vinous life on the printed page."

Many thanks David for this long comment on the novel. We clearly understand here your passion about claret and good wine in general. And of course your love for Saint Julien and more specifically Gruaud Larose. Cheers!

To know more about this novel, the first chapter is available on this link: "A fabulous Year at Chateau Gruaud Larose".