Diary - Ste Colombe/Castillon

I know, I should always check fuel gauges! Especially with the French car which gets used by others. Name no names. Can't risk upsetting a certain winemaker in the family who seems to be winning far more applause than his Dad, all of a sudden. Did you see Jamie Goode really gave him a couple great write-ups? And that Experts Choice thing we did?

So anyway, here we are having just missed being stranded on Castillon's level crossing by about 30 feet. Sitting in a dead car, middle of road, wearing the bright yellow vest that’s compulsory in these circs, being glowered at by cross people in a hurry. (Though several have offered help). Clare is on way with can of diesel, the sun shines, the vines around us are well-on and looking lovely in their young greenness … there are worse problems in the world.

Good flight here too. I do love little Southampton Airport. Please keep it small. And Bergerac. Ditto. Delightful setting, and the backroad route to Castillon is still as it was in 1970 when I first used it.

We found Libby in Castillon’s plant place, great little oufit, family run so friendly and enthusiastic … she hunting for greenery to brighten the Chai entrance before Friday's quayside party. Barbara hunting her tomato, pepper, courgette, geranium, etc seedlings for the annual big planting.

Anne on phone wrestling with the boat and other huge problems that I give her.

So, once rescued, just go see Mark and his newly bottled stuff. He'll be bottling on until the very moment of his departure on the Irene, Friday, for London.

His Fronton whiter-shade-of-pale pink is an absolute winner. Everyone's going to want that one. Who – but Mark and JMS – would ever think a grape called 'Negrette' would make a much better white-pink than it does a red?

And the Sauvignon Gris - beautifully oaked - gives the word 'Sauvignon' a whole new meaning. Get that one too! When it arrives.

Brilliant boy.

Must buy him a lifejacket! Don't want to lose him overboard. You can follow his progress here or read more about life on board in his blog.