On Saturday, the 9th of December , the stars aligned, and harmony filled the universe when local wine company The Warehouse decided to host a Champagne brunch at the finest dim sum restaurant in the kingdom.
My Christmas had indeed come early. Billecart Salmon and I have an affectionate history, and I must say, that it has not all been particularly one-sided. I probably first started selling Billecart Salmon as a young wine retailer 30 years ago, buying it off a young viticultural student paying his way through school as a wine wholesaler or wine rep in the vernacular.
That wine rep was Adam Jacobs who would go on to become an exceptional viticulturist, get me my first job at a winery, and be a vineyard manager and colleague for many years to come.
We are still great mates to this day, when I sent Adam pictures of this event, he immediately told me he was moving to Cambodia! I happened to work for two families that were his best customers making me one of his great customers by employment.
Gary was like an industry uncle to me and to many others , and a finer mentor you would not find; he was a big gregarious bear of a man, with a great sense of humour, a wonderful charm and a big heart.
