Another bit of knowledge which never goes astray!
He was an astute businessman and lke many such overdid it and paid for it, As for cheap wine he said his favourite was Latour (well so would mine be if i sold the house ... oh wait, I already am).
But I don't see why he is singled out to be criticized, alcohol is a fact of life , and so easy to come by.
Maybe the op knew him and he didn't offer them a botle of Latour (like with the reporter)?
