17/01/2026
Dry January? NEVER. It’s TRY January.
I read PJs typically excellent email on Wednesday and found myself agreeing with him, that it does indeed take a lot of very admirable conviction to get through the month of January without a drink.. but then I thought to myself “Wait, I have literally never even thought about trying it.” So what have I been up to in January and why am I emailing?
Well I’ve been indulging in my own version “Try January” which does what it says on the tin, but also coincides with the En Primeur season for Burgundy which was always one of my favourite times of the year. Burgundy’s Chardonnay and Pinot noir were the first w**es I really fell in love with. And each year in January the new vintage would be lined up and tasting that was always a treat.
20 years later, after plenty of gems discovered, fuzzy error purchases made and sore heads endured this will be the first year I don’t go in for it. Partly because I’m not sure 2024 is that brilliant a vintage, but mainly be cause with the perennial price increases removing any financial benefit from buying en Primeur. I think it makes better sense to wait and pick the w**es up after someone else has paid to cellar them, and because there are so many great w**es you can drink now!
LIke our incredible, much recognised 2010 Pinot Noir from Mosquito hill - which editor loved enough to feature back in Feb!
So don’t just wait 15 years for Pinot, buy some to cellar AND something to drink now!
