Vinexpo opened last night with a dinner for almost 500 people given by the St Emilion Jurade – the first time the ancient organisation has been in Asia. While the Jurade ceremonially initiated new members – including Vinexpo president Robert Beynat and Decanter's veteran advertising manager for France Michael Denton, guests at the Hyatt Regency Hotel drank a range of St Emilion vintages, include Chateau Couspaude 2004 and 2007, Chateau Pavie 2000, Angelus 2003, Canon La Gaffeliere 2004, Figeac 2001 and Cheval Blanc 1999.