ARISE, SIR JAMES!
In June, James Suckling, noted international wine critic and Prestige �s wine correspondent, was honoured by the French Government for his services to the country and its wine industry with the title and rank of Chevalier de l’Ordre Nationale du Mérite. Suckling received the honour — the only time such an award has been bestowed on an Asia-based wine critic — during a ceremony held at the residence of the French consul general in Hong Kong, Alexandre Giorgini. In a speech during the ceremony, Suckling paid heartfelt tribute to the country and its wines. “Without France,” he said, “I would not be who I am today.”