At a podcast recording this morning with Alwyn van der Merwe, head of investment decisions at Sanlam Private Wealth, I think Alwyn thought at first I was Tim James, the noxious gossip who used to write the Grape newsletter RIP. That category error swiftly disabused, we had a wonderful tasting of Cabernet Francs and a frank discussion of SA reds. Alwyn noted he had cracked an invite to the Nederburg Auction this year. I hear there are problems shifting tickets (which are free). I wonder if it has anything to do with that other Tim who is opening the Auction this year? I made a few points in the City Press on Sunday.

Distell make some of the best wine in the country and take some of the strangest decisions. Time for a spring clean of those La-Z-Boy recliners, Richard Rushton.