Jean-Michel Cazes, the manager of Chateau Lynch-Bages who has business interests stretching from Bordeaux to Chateauneuf du Pape, Portugal and Australia, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Masters of Wine.

The businessman was given the award, whose previous recipients include Robert Mondavi and Super Tuscans innovator Marchese Piero Antinori, at Vinexpo yesterday (June 21st).

Charlotte Hey, director of the Drinks Business, which jointly presented the award, said: "It is imperative that we really push the boundaries and recognise those people who innovate in the most natural sense and the most passionate sense."

"The previous recipients of the award are people I respect and admire. They are wine legends and I am proud to follow in their footsteps," said Mr Cazes upon receiving the accolade.

It comes shortly after the wine world raised a glass to the late Robert Mondavi, the trailblazer of Californian wines, whose 98th birthday would have taken place last week.