I remember the cold January afternoon in 2004 when we first met you. Do you remember, Migg?

It was at Isabelle Ferrando's at Domaine Saint-Préfert, when we tasted the delicious wines of her first vintage 2003 from the barrels, when we heard the door open. “A la cave nous sommes,” Isabelle exclaimed. Who could be disturbing our tête-à-tête?

A few moments later, there you were, standing before us, imposing in your size; Philippe Cambie, oenologist, gourmet. Your aura filled the room, friendly, charming, completely free of any arrogance. Until late in the afternoon, we tasted, philosophized and listened eagerly to your stories about Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Midi in general.

“Most influential consultant, oenologist of the south”, headlined the most important wine magazines around the globe. However, you only ever advised friends, defining great wine as a common goal. You awakened the south from its lethargy and coached your friends to peak performance, unconsciously creating a dynamic that embraced an entire region. Nowhere is the cost-benefit ratio better than in the south of France, thanks to you, Philippe Cambie. Kudos, my friend!

You have been tired in the past few days, your e-mails very short. Yesterday, late in the evening, I received a text message from our mutual friend Vincent Maurel, in which he delivered the painful news: “Il serait partie dans son sommeil et il s'est éteint comme une bougie.”

Now all that remains for me to do is to wish you, my dear friend Philippe, ‘Bon voyage’. I will miss you!

Carl