Burgundy expert Clive Coates MW dies

Clive Coates MW, most recognised for writing seminal works on Bordeaux and Burgundy, has died after more than 50 years as a Master of Wine.

Coates passed the MW exam in 1971 and celebrated his 50th anniversary as an MW in Vintners Hall at the awards ceremony held in March this year. He died peacefully at Lyon Hospital last Tuesday 26 July.

The British wine writer began his career in the hotel trade, but pivoted to focus on wine following a visit to Bordeaux in 1964 and the subsequent receipt of a wine travel scholarship.

Although most recognised for writing seminal works on Bordeaux and Burgundy for which he was acknowledged as a world authority, Coates’ career span from working within The Wine Society, British Transport Hotels and latterly in establishing the Malmaison Wine Club.

He also published his own independent fine wine magazine, The Vine, from 1984 to 2005.

Coates was recognised by the French Government for his contribution to wine, awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite Agricole. He was also honoured with a ‘Rame d’Honneur’ by Le Verre at L’Assiette and recognised as ‘Wine Writer of the Year’ in 1998/99 in the Champagne Lanson Awards.

Clive Coates MW was one of first MWs I met when I started an absolutely amazing job as Exec Director of @mastersofwine I was overwhelmed being in his presence, but he was so kind, so generous with both his wine & his knowledge. One of the giants has gone, and we will miss him.

— Siobhan Turner MW (@SiobhanTurner23) July 29, 2022

Fellow Masters of Wine and industry colleagues took to Twitter to share condolences. Wine consultant Siobhan Turner MW said: “Clive Coates MW was one of first MWs I met when I started an absolutely amazing job as Exec Director of @mastersofwine. I was overwhelmed being in his presence, but he was so kind, so generous with both his wine & his knowledge. One of the giants has gone, and we will miss him.”

We will deeply miss Clive Coates, an inspiration, a reference, a Burgundy go-to, and a generous mentor to all. https://t.co/A0rwIj6GHS

— CurtisMW (@CurtisMW) July 30, 2022

Master of Wine Charles Curtis described the late wine writer as “a Burgundy go-to, and a generous mentor to all”, noting he will be deeply missed.

Coates’ funeral will take place on Monday 8th August in Lyon, according to the Institute of Masters of Wine.

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