Following yesterday’s Union des Grands Crus tasting of the Right Bank, Graves and Pessac-Léognan, below are a few very general first impressions from the barrel samples on offer:

As primeurs swings into action in Bordeaux this week, the Liv-ex Bordeaux 500 Index has experienced its biggest gain in the last five years.

A Melbourne-based online wine retailer has secured AU$25 million (£13.25m) to fund its global expansion plans, which include an “online pop-up” event in the UK this year.

Kent winery Chapel Down is launching its first single vineyard wine range, Kit`s Coty.

US auction house Hart Davis Hart’s annual ‘Celebration of Burgundy’ sale has realised US$5.6 million.

“Benchmark” claret and rare brandies marking the election of the first 39 US presidents will lead Sotheby’s and Christie’s respective sales in London and New York this April.

Pabst Brewing Co. looks to the future

Boston Beer opening floating brewery on cruise ship

An Italian scientist has created a robot wine fermenter that wouldn’t look out of place in Star Wars, whose sensors can measure the amount of wine it creates.

Italy has drafted a bill that would see children as young as six take lessons in wine at primary school, with one hour a week dedicated to “wine culture and history”.