15 Oct 09
Renowned wine writer, critic and auctioneer Michael Broadbent MW has been awarded substantial damages by the US publisher Random House, with respect to libellous claims in the book The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine. Random House has apologised unreservedly for the allegations, and has withdrawn the book from sale in the UK.
Mr Broadbent said, "I am very relieved that I have been fully vindicated in this matter, and that my reputation - as an auctioneer, a wine critic and, crucially, as a Master of Wine - has been restored following complete refutation of these dishonest and damaging claims."
A proportion of the damages will be given to the Wine & Spirits Trade Benevolent Fund.