We spend 5 minutes getting to know Chairman and founder of Bon Coeur Fine Wines, James Goodhart, a man with an inexhaustible passion for wine and who was recently described as having one of Yorkshire's finest wine palates...
Name: James Goodhart
Position at Bon Coeur: Bon Coeur Founder and Chairman of the Board
Favourite wine in summer?
I really enjoy lighter red wines, if it's a really hot summers day you can always chill them. Pinot Noir, Gamay (Beaujolais) are really good chilled.
Favourite bottle of fizz?
For a Grand Marque favourite it falls between Ruinart, Billecart or Louis Roederer. However, if I were to bring my true 'Yorkshireness' out it would have to be Louis Roederer as it's £10 a bottle cheaper.
I'm also really proud of our award winning house champagne, Jacques Bon Coeur. It is one of the best value champagnes on the market and is made with over 80% Pinot Noir, which gives it a lovely depth and structure.
My hot tip: Did you know if you cellar a Grand Marque Non Vintage champagne for an extra 2-3 years you will find it matures nicely in the bottle, giving it a richer complexity, toasty brioche notes and more of a vintage style?
Favourite grape?
It has to be Pinot Noir.
Favourite wine producer?
Ah, now you're really asking! There are too many to choose just one favourite, however, there have been a few key influencers in my wine life so far. Bill Blatch is one. I have known him for over 15 years. He was introduced to me by Lilian Barton (Leoville Barton) and has taught me so much, always testing me (lots of blind tastings) and he was the one that pushed me to look further behind the label. From Burgundy my greatest influence is Nicolas Potel, one of Burgundies star wine makers. His passion and enthusiasm for wine is utterly infectious.
Wine is a journey for me, there's always something new and fascinating to bring to the table.
Do any wines bring back a specific memory?
The first wine I laid down was Leoville Barton 1995, I bought four cases. It was the start of a long journey. The following year – 1996 - was my first En Primeur year for the business. Now 20 years later it has been a pleasure to enjoy the wines I have personally bought and laid down.
A major part of my role is to get to know a customer's palate and recommend wines based on this. I get great satisfaction when a customer tells me that they have enjoyed a wine that they bought from Bon Coeur, whether it's this year or 20 years ago.
Would you choose a cheese board or pudding?
Pudding. I have quite a sweet tooth! Sticky Toffee pudding is something I find hard to resist. Recently I have discovered that Noe 30-year-old sherry by Gonzalez Byass made from Pedro Ximenez pairs very well with it…
Do you like trying new wines or prefer an old favourite?
Discovering new wines is a vital part of my role. However, on a winter evening by the fire it's great to open an old favourite and see how it's drinking.
Where can you mostly be found?
I travel a lot for work, but still believe that I already live in the most beautiful part of the world. There's nothing like a crisp Yorkshire morning, walking the dogs down the gill.
Where in the world you feel most relaxed?
Skiing. It's one sport that takes me away from thinking about work. In recent years my children have started skiing, it's great to ski as a family.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I'm a farmer's son so I enjoy living in the countryside. In today's busy world it's nice to get out, relax with the family at one of our excellent local pubs or go fishing down on the riverbank.
What does your role at Bon Coeur require?
My main priority is to run the private client and corporate sales team. I'm Chairman of the Board and also head up our Wine Buying Team. A good palate and memory are essential, also listening to our customers in order to make good recommendations.
Over 20-years in the wine business has given me my own library of wine knowledge, as well as forging an impressive little black book of contacts… A sense of humour goes a long way!
Favourite fact about wine?
Good wines change and evolve. I enjoy the whole journey, like chapters in a book. They give you an entire journey and relax you especially after a challenging day.
Favourite part of working at Bon Coeur?
Having founded the company over 20 years ago, for me it's very much a way of life. Building the team and seeing them develop is extremely rewarding, seeing the business grow and go from strength to strength gives me great pleasure.
Like running any business it can be stressful, you are always working, regardless of the time or day. Wine is a passion for many of our customers so sharing that passion is essential. Calls from customers over the weekend to discuss what to get out of their cellar to enjoy that evening are not uncommon – luckily, it's my favourite topic so I always enjoy it!
