New Canaan Library welcomes bestselling author and wine journalist Peter Hellman on Friday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Adrian Lamb Room. Hellman will discuss his latest non-fiction book, In Vino Duplicitas, in which true crime pairs well with fine wine. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, courtesy of Elm Street Books. Please register online at newcanaanlibrary.org.
The world of fine wines is a rarified one and few gain entrance to it, except billionaires who flock to auction houses for that very special – and valuable – bottle from a legendary year. Strange, then, that an unknown young man from Indonesia made entry. But Rudy Kurniawan had two special gifts that opened doors: a virtuoso palate for wine tasting, and access to a seemingly limitless (if mysterious) supply of the world’s most coveted wines. Kurniawan quickly became the leading purveyor of rare wines to the American elite. But in April 2008, his credibility was questioned by a winemaker with inside knowledge.
Journalist Peter Hellman was there, and closely investigated the situation as a singular cast of characters worked to unravel the biggest con in wine history. In Vino Duplicitas compellingly relates this fascinating true story.
Peter Hellman is a New York-based wine journalist and best-selling author. His writing has appeared in Wine Spectator, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and others. Books include bestselling Chief!: Classic Cases from the Files of the Chief of Detectives and When Courage Was Stronger than Fear.