French wine estate owner Bernard Magrez has caused confusion among journalists. After a festive meal, reporters and critics were each given a luxury watch valued at 1.650 Euros.

The Cartier watches were handed out as gifts after a press lunch at the "Alain Ducasse" restaurant in Paris. According to press reports, some of the 50 journalists at the lunch were indignant, and sent their watches back. Well-known French critic Thierry Desseauve stated in writing that the gesture would not alter his professional opinion on Magrez' wines. The appropriate reaction would be to donate an amount equivalent to the value of the gifts to a charitable organisation. It has not been made known how many of the watches were returned to Magrez. (WF)