Benjamin Lebel is a luminary in his field: an internationally renowned wine expert who publishes a keenly-awaited new guide every year. When the local police chief enlists his help in the hunt for a serial killer who combines murders with Grand Crus, Benjamin's intuition and his nose are stimulated by the puzzling case. They both prove infallible as he works his own investigation in the sumptuous settings of the loveliest wine-growing regions in France....

The scam of Saint-Vivant: "While on tour in Burgundy, Benjamin is approached by the son of a notable estate owner seeking his professional expertise. He soon finds out that his presence is curiously un-welcomed by the father. To make matters worse, a former employee of the estate is found dead and the police consider everyone a suspect, including Benjamin himself."--Container. Nightmare in Côtes-de-Nuit: "Benjamin is invited as the guest of honor...

Benjamin reluctantly agrees to meet with a business partner to discuss an appraisal of a failing estate, but is not immediately aware of the estate's tumultuous history.

Two thugs steal Benjamin's notebook and knock him into a two-day coma.

Benjamin feels responsible when a friend's daughter gets injured in a shark attack.