Decanter World Wine Awards: American Wines Soar to New Heights

With the recent results of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) for 2025, American wines are making remarkable strides. California’s impressive performance stands out, but wineries in Oregon, Washington, and the eastern states like Pennsylvania and Virginia are also gaining recognition. This year, the awards celebrated two Best in Show wines from the US, one… Read More »

Ulysse Collin: Exploring the Recent Releases of a Champagne Odyssey

A recent masterclass in London featured Olivier Collin, showcasing his wines from Ulysse Collin. This was only the second time Collin presented his work in the UK, hosted at Noble Rot with an audience of sommeliers representing 23 Michelin stars. He emphasized the importance of the “gastronomic channel” for his limited production wines. Collin shared… Read More »

Savoring Excellence: Three Stunning Chenins from Alheit

Chris Alheit showcased three exceptional Chenin Blanc wines at the Chenin Congress 2025 held in the Loire Valley. He emphasized the noble and honest nature of the Chenin grape, revealing a trio of distinctive releases that exemplified its unique characteristics. Alheit Fire by Night Chenin Blanc 2024 from Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa, is crafted from… Read More »

Exploring Angers: A Night Out at Cercle Rouge and Barco Vino

Had a delightful evening in Angers at two amazing drinking venues: Cercle Rouge and Barco Vino. Cercle Rouge is a natural wine bar operated by Joseph Mosse, who comes from the renowned Mosse wine family, while Barco Vino offers a charming atmosphere aboard a boat. Both locations boast incredible wine lists, which we thoroughly explored.… Read More »

Embracing Cynicism: The Best Sense of Humor in Modern Times

Sunny Hodge’s The Cynic’s Guide to Wine provides a critical, science-backed perspective on the wine industry, aimed at debunking popular misconceptions. Hodge, a wine judge and founder of notable London wine bars, combines his engineering background with his passion for wine, creating a guide that cuts through marketing hype to present a clear understanding of… Read More »

Domaine Faiveley: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Progress

Burgundy’s Domaine Faiveley recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a series of festivities, including a gala dinner at the prestigious Clos de Vougeot and a historical tasting of selected vintages dating back to 1935. The event highlighted the domain’s rich heritage and its long-standing connection to the region’s vineyards, as Faiveley is one of the… Read More »

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle: Elevating Excellence Beyond the Radar

At the end of April, Laurent-Perrier held an eagerly anticipated tasting event for their Grand Siècle Champagne, hosted in The Vintners Hall, London. The masterclass featured eight variations of Grand Siècle, showcasing a blend of vintages, with a highlight being the presentation of No.24 in both bottle and magnum formats. This marked a unique approach,… Read More »