The case had been filed last year by Hanna Agostini who co-authored a book in France with a title that translates as "Robert Parker: Anatomy of a Myth." She herself faces preliminary charges in Bordeaux in another case involving alleged forgery in a wine-trafficking matter which she has denied, according to the report in Business Week.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, reportedly said that Parker was ordered last month to stand trial on July 10 for writing on his website that Agostini "could end up stagnating in prison," and for allegedly misrepresenting the penalties she faces in that case. The comment has been since removed from his site, adds the report.
A Paris investigating judge filed preliminary charges against Parker in September after Agostini brought a lawsuit against him alleging defamation. Parker's lawyer had said that his client had declined to comment about the case.
In March 2008, he was fined € 2,000 by a Paris court on a separate count of violating Agostini's presumption of innocence.
"Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide" is a well-known reference book and his recommendations can make or break winemakers. His comments about Bordeaux, the château owners and their wines can influence the price of wines instantly and significantly. The En Primeur 2008 wines were quoting prices much lower than last year. But when he spoke in favour of the vintage last month, after the initial dismal assessment, the prices shot up for most top chateaux overnight.
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