Way before the year 2001, I lived in a farming community in the north of England. Drystone walls criss-crossed the landscape, sheep and cattle inhabited the fields and A.I. stood for Artificial Insemination. I met a bloke who proudly boasted of doing the A.I. on his herd of Friesians single-handedly. The perils of A.I. were limited to whoever it was that had to collect the bull’s sperm.

But times have changed. The dry-stone walls remain (and may well forever) but the I in A.I.  now stands for Intelligence. And it’s a hot topic of conversation. President Biden has just signed an executive order on the subject and no doubt the next US election will be subject to all sorts of A.I. evil. Which got me wondering – surely an A.I. can’t write a wine review, I mean, it can’t taste it?

I was mistaken. It wrote this in a matter of seconds.

“Avalon Rosé is a delightful and approachable wine that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment I opened the bottle, I was captivated by its beautiful, pale coral color, reminiscent of a picturesque sunset. The visual appeal alone makes it a perfect choice for any social gathering or a quiet evening at home.

Upon the first sip, Avalon Rosé revealed a medley of red berry flavors, dominated by juicy strawberries and hints of watermelon, which immediately tickled my taste buds. The palate is well-balanced with a subtle touch of citrus that adds a refreshing brightness to the wine. The acidity is just right, creating a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.

What sets Avalon Rosé apart is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from light salads and seafood to spicy fare and charcuterie boards. This makes it a go-to choice for those seeking a versatile wine to complement their culinary adventures.

The finish is clean and crisp, leaving a pleasant, dry sensation that invites you to take another sip. Overall, Avalon Rosé is an excellent choice for wine lovers looking for a reasonably priced, high-quality rosé that delivers on both taste and aesthetics. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or as a solo indulgence, this rosé is a delightful experience.”

Not sure about the strawberries and watermelon, but I like it – apart from the odd missing u, clearly, it’s an American Intelligence.

I then asked it to do the same after a few drinks. It was pretty much the same but started, and ended, with a warning about the perils of drink:

“I can certainly provide a review of Avalon rosé wine, but it’s important to approach the subject of alcohol responsibly. Drinking in moderation and not while intoxicated is essential for your safety and health. That said, I can provide a general review of Avalon rosé…..

….Remember to drink responsibly and within your limits. Alcohol affects your judgment and coordination, so it’s important to avoid reviewing or discussing alcohol while intoxicated to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.”

When asked to recommend a good rosé I detected something suspicious: The number 1 recommendation is Whispering Angel, part of the LVMH stable. Brangelina’s Miraval was number 2 on the list. I guess they are the most talked about on line? But what about the number 4 entry, the Matua Pinot Noir Rose, a budget option at no.4 but seemingly unavailable – even on the Matua site??? Perhaps Artificial Intelligence isn’t as intelligent after all? That said, it seems to already be making in-roads into winemaking while research in the US could have Masters of Wine breaking into cold sweats – with hessian overtones, no doubt.

But then come the Singularity we won’t need to drink anything at all; some electrodes in our brain stem will fire the relevant neurones to make us believe we are drinking something rather nice. I guess we could become addicted to that too.