One thing about working with wine all day is that you can’t stop thinking about the next opportune moment you’ll get to consume something tasty, perhaps old, even possibly rare.

It’s not like an alcoholic craving his next alcoholic fix. Far from it, it’s the craving for a new flavour, a new taste discovery, another moment to immerse yourself into a snap shot of history and geography as interpreted by a leading winemaker.

For true trade professionals, the anticipation, expectation and desire often  exceed the actual pleasure of the moment of physical consumption. But what can add to this magical, almost euphoric moment of expectation, is the knowledge that the next bottle(s) will be enjoyed with a truly fine meal created with artistry.

This past Tuesday was one such evening – the official opening of chef Phil Howard’s new Elystan Street restaurant. His highly anticipated return to gastronomic service didn’t take long luckily after the sale of his 2 Michelin star icon establishment, The Square in Mayfair, London recently.

A fantastic evening of thirteen wine trade comrades and plenty of impressive wine magnums ensured the night was thoroughly enjoyed by all in Phil’s Scandi style new private dinning room.

I’ll leave the detailed food and wine notes to wine trade colleague Will Hargrove of Corney & Barrow, who will undoubtedly post some detailed introspection on the evening’s food and wine courses on his great blog… Duvault-Blochet.

There were of course some fantastic wines consumed with equally fantastic food courses. Who wouldn’t enjoy magnums of Domaine Drouhin Clos des Mouches 1996 white Burgundy, Moet et Chandon Brut 1978 ~ disgorged in 2004, or a Berry Bros & Rudd bottling of Chateau Palmer 1976 from Margaux on a Tuesday school night?

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more…

Wine Safari Restaurant Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Elystan Street Restaurant is at 43 Elystan Street, London, SW3. Book as soon as you can! 0207-628 5005