Uncorked: Phil Crozier

The wine director of Gaucho has been with the restaurant group for nearly 20 years and was responsible for making all the wine lists 100% Argentine in 1999. Crozier manages the Gaucho-owned vineyard Finca La Franca in Lunlunta, Mendoza, planted with 80-year-old Malbec vines from which he makes the brand’s flagship wine, Vina Patricia and in recognition of his collaborations with some of Argentina’s prominent winemakers – including Nicolas Catena, Susanna Balbao and Jose Zuccardi – Crozier was made an ambassador to Lujan de Cujo in 2008. He reveals his worst vice and inviting Stephen Fry and David Bowie to dinner.

What vintage are you?

1963. Was there anything decent made in 1963? It wasn’t particularly good for Burgundy and Bordeaux but fortunately, Port saves the day and the vintage turned out rather well for producing sommeliers.

Which bottle sparked your love of wine?

I remember that it was a bottle of 1986 Chateau Musar that I was given at Christmas in 1998. For some reason, no one else was drinking apart from me so I had it to myself and was just blown away.

What would you be as a wine?

A Riesling. It’s classic and stays under the radar. It suits my philosophy on life which is to always be humble. But I would be a New World Riesling so something a bit zippier.

Where are you happiest?

I’m happiest in Argentina. I’ve been going there since 1999.

What is your greatest vice?

Say what you like, but my greatest vice is shoes. I love shoes. I will rarely go more than three months without buying a new pair.  Obviously I drink too much but that’s part of the working in this business.

Best advice you have got?

Always assume that your guest always knows more about wine than you do. It’s all part of being humble.

Most overused words?

Other people overuse the words Parker points to a ridiculous degree. There’s a lot more to the wine business than that. A wine’s “potential” is also a very over-used expression.

Your cellar is underwater, what would you dive in and save?

My 2006 Finca Remota.

The best and worst things about the wine business?

The people. We are so lucky to work in an industry to meet such talented and passionate individuals. The worst thing is the snobbery and we have to change that. Don’t keep talking about Bordeaux and Burgundy when it’s not what people start drinking. Learn about the wine in your market and what’s most popular.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

1990 Domaine de la Romanee Conti. That’s all I want.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

David Bowie and Stephen Fry with Kraftwerk playing in the background. I would also love to have Roberto de la Mota from Mendel and Alejandro Vigil from Catena Zapata. 1980 and 1977 were the best album years for Kraftwerk so I would have any wine from those vintages.

What wine would you have served at your funeral?

Something at its peak.

Personal satisfaction.

100+plus. Definitely. I love what I do. Wine is such a fantastic way to see the world. I love it.