The small plate format is perfect for picking, sipping and chatting and elastic enough to cater for shorter dates or longer catch-ups.

The wine list is exclusively Argentinian (Champagne aside).  Many are available by the glass or 375ml carafe, which means you not an expert on wine from this part of the world you can dabble in something new without over-committing to a bottle.   As you would expect, there is a broad selection of Malbecs, but maybe try a chilled glass of fragrant Torrontés or a juicy Bonarda, two other varieties which Argentina has really made its own.

Sit at the bar if you can (upstairs or downstairs looking onto the kitchen) and best to book if you are going later in the week.

PS re 28°-50°, am already looking forward to their new Mayfair venture on Maddox Street opening later in the year…

Definitely a mature wine – the deep golden colour and hints of toffee, nuts and candied fruit on the nose give the game away a little – this wine is still in its prime: it’s poised, almost stately.  In the mouth it packs a punch: intense tropical flavours, a touch of nuttiness again, with a creamy, full texture, but not heavy, thanks to the core acidity which refreshes the palate on the finish and has kept the wine young.  This isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I have a soft spot for big Chardonnays and this wine gave as much pleasure last night as it did the first day I tried it at the beautiful Walker Bay vineyard nearly 10 years ago.

Coincidentally, I was asked this week what is the ideal drinking window for white wine.  In most cases I’d say drink up.  Never one to follow my own advice though, I have far too many bottles lying unloved in the Eurocave or, even more disrespectfully, on the wine rack in the kitchen.  That’s the trouble, there’s always something new and more exciting to try and bottles can hang around hoping to be noticed for years until they are way past their best.  So thank you, HM03, you may have been scorned, but you had the class to make me fall in love with you all over again.

2011 vintage available at Majestic.  Also, try it at the Union Café in Marylebone.