For decades, the wines of Bordeaux were seen as overly expensive, over extracted to conform with certain wine writers' palates and simply drifting away from what they once were. Things have now changed for the better, and although highly prized Grand Cru Classes are still expensive, they look positively inexpensive compared to Burgundy. 

The Maserati Grecale Trofeo, recently launched in the UK, is a five-seater SUV with a seriously fabulous engine borrowed from the MC20 supercar. It combines everyday family driving with a refined opulent interior and sporting credentials to put a satisfied grin on any driver's face. We took it for a spin to Bath and around the surrounding Somerset countryside, putting it through its paces on and off-road to see if it hits the sweet spot for a luxury brand SUV.

Located along Park Lane in Mayfair, Bar 45 offers a sophisticated and intimate escape for those seeking libations away from the crowds. This elegant bar, part of the Dorchester Collection, has a chic, contemporary vibe that's both inviting and exclusive.

Less is more is a principle that emerges from the idea that simplicity and clarity lead to good design and a more harmonious life.

Many designers use this expression as a philosophy or inspiration to design things that are simple, yet beautiful. This expression first appeared in a poem by Robert Browning, Andrea del Sarto, in the year 1855.

“Yet do much less, so much less…Well, less is more, Lucrezia; I am judged.”

The 5-star Headland Hotel transcends ordinary notions of grandeur, captivating visitors with its immense and awe-inspiring presence. During my Lexus 500h F Sport tour, I was immediately struck by its sheer size and magnificence upon arrival.

The Transalp name is one of the most iconic and long-standing names in the adventure bike hall of fame.

It was born in 1987 and was in continuous production right up until 2012 when it finally succumbed to declining sales. 

Over the next 10 years, the name lay dormant, waiting and watching as the buying public’s tastes changed and the adventure bike was born again. In 2023 Honda revived the legendary name and boy, they did it justice.

What better way to test the Lexus RX500h F Sport than a trip to the fabulous Headland Hotel, a magnificent baroque 5-star folly perched on a cliff overlooking Fistral Beach down in Newquay, Cornwall?  And the Lexus RX500h was the perfect touring companion, luxury first-class travel all the way.

My tasting desk is rather full at the moment due to a break over the festive period, resulting in a longer-than-usual diary entry. As you might have noticed, I have started to incorporate wine into my musings, a trade I was in for many years. This diversification into wine feels like a homecoming of sorts, blending my past with the present. In this edition, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a few wines that have caught my eye—and taste buds.

I’m old enough to remember the original Honda Hornet CB600F in the late 90s’. That was a fun bike. A 600cc inline 4 engine from the CBR600, steel frame, naked bike. It was a simple recipe but great fun.

In 2023 Honda took the name of the beloved street bike from the 90s and put it on a brand new machine. The Honda Hornet CB750 was reborn.

The keyboard warriors went a bit mad, saying it wasn't a real Hornet, you know how it goes, but I’ve ridden it and can say it wears the name well.