Robert Parker: 'the blogger Budd, who has been reluctant to talk with us' – entirely incorrect! Nul points, RP!

Robert Parker@WineFuture HK under CavesMaître France – Chinese Castel logo

Robert Parker alleged on his bulletin board last night that I had been 'reluctant to talk' to his lawyers carrying out the investigation into the Spanish visits organised by Pancho Campo MW on behalf of Jay Miller. This is entirely incorrect and Parker is mistaken as Harold Heckle and I have cooperated with his lawyer, Stephen Miller, who has been carrying out this investigation, who thanked us for our assistance.

See Parker's comment (posted here 02.14.12 08.14 pm:

'Re: What is the status of TWA's investigation into alleged Pancho Campo pay-to-taste?
I met with the lawyers last Wednesday....the last interviews of Campo and the blogger Budd, who has been reluctant to talk with us, should conclude this week....a final summary will be available to subscribers....it has been very expensive, very thorough, and I hope productive in establishing even tighter ethical rules,and how I can do a better job of managing the other writers....we took this very seriously,and I hope to have the final conclusions within several weeks...thanks for asking......'

In view of Robert Parker's damaging and inaccurate allegation that I have been 'reluctant to talk with us' I will expand on yesterday's update post on the investigations.

Firstly: At no time, as far as I'm aware, have Parker's lawyers asked to speak with me or interview me as part of their investigation.

Secondly: the only contact I have had with Stephen A. Miller of Cozen O'Connor has been by email. The timeline of our involvement is as follows:

1st December 2011: Robert Parker announces that he has set up an investigation.

19th January 2012 (mid-evening GMT): I receive an email from Stephen Miller requesting relevant documents:

'This firm is conducting an investigation on behalf of the Wine Advocate with respect to seminars and tastings conducted in Spain by Jay Miller in coordination with The Wine Academy of Spain. If you have documents or other pertinent information that you believe we should consider in the investigation, kindly let us know so we can schedule a mutually convenient time to meet and/or obtain copies of the relevant documents.'

20th January 2012 (mid-morning): I respond to Stephen Miller:

'We will be happy to supply you with documents and pertinent information. I will be away in Montpellier on business from early tomorrow until late Wednesday. We will look to email you the necessary information once I return.'

20th January 2012: From Stephen Miller:

'Many thanks, gentlemen.'

2nd February 2012: I send documents to Stephen Miller:

'As promised the documents that we think are relevant for your investigation.

My apologies that this has taken a little time but I was away at Millésime Bio in Montpellier and then had to file my tax return by 31st January*.

Please find a word file containing emails sent concerning visits to Murcia, Madrid and Valencia. You will find the original emails in Spanish along with Harold Heckle's translation. As I think you know Harold is a fluent Spanish speaker and has long been based in Madrid as a journalist for Associated Press. There is one email original from the Valencia series that we have not yet been able to include – sent 21st November 2011 by Pamela Beltan. You do have Harold's translation. If you need the Spanish original, please let me know.

Also pdf documents from Asevin and DO Madrid.

Please come back to me if you require any clarification.'

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(* The UK tax authorities require that all on-line tax returns must be filed by midnight 31st January. Late filers incur a fine. Important as Parker's investigation is my tax return took priority.)

8th February 2012: as I have had no reply from Stephen Miller I email him to ask if he received my email of 2nd February 2012 along with the documents.

8th February 2012: response from Stephen Miller:

'I received both emails. Thank you so much for your assistance.'

9th February 2012: My response to Stephen Miller:

'Thanks for this. If we can be of further assistance please let us know.'

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I leave readers to judge whether I have been 'reluctant to talk with us' (Robert Parker) as I'm entirely mystified by this allegation and have today emailed Stephen Miller asking for clarification.