Laurent Fayolle is a prominent figure in Crozes-Hermitage, operating from his family domaine in the northern village of Gervans. Established by his grandfather in 1959, the domaine initially sold grapes to negociants while producing small quantities of wine for local consumers. As grape prices fell, the grandfather decided to vinify all his grapes, and within… Read More »

Bocca di Lupo’s Arso 2020 emerges as a pivotal wine for the region of Puglia, aiming to redefine the area’s reputation for producing overly ripe and heavy wines. Winemaker Vito Palumbo, representing Antinori’s estate in Castel del Monte, underlines the goal of showcasing freshness and balance with this inaugural Cabernet Franc release, sourced from vines… Read More »

The recent launch of Dom Pérignon held in Barcelona showcased two remarkable releases: the 2015 Vintage and the 2006 Plénitude 2 (P2). The event was an orchestration of luxury and artistry, with Vincent Chaperon, the chef de cave, guiding the proceedings reminiscent of a masterful showman. This year’s theme, Révélations, revealed the 2015 Vintage amid… Read More »

Italian wine group Marchesi Antinori has acquired Arcadia Vineyard in Napa Valley, previously owned by Warren Winiarski, founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. This purchase reunites the vineyard with Stag’s Leap under Antinori’s ownership. Winiarski, who played a pivotal role in putting Napa Valley on the wine map after his 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed in… Read More »

The world’s oldest continually operating library of vintage fortified wine, Australia’s Seppeltsfield, has unveiled its latest release: the 1925 Para Vintage Tawny. This release marks the 48th consecutive annual launch of a 100-year-old tawny, continuing a tradition started by Oscar ‘Benno’ Seppelt in 1878 when he laid down a barrel of vintage fortified wine with… Read More »

I’m currently in the AA Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, taking the opportunity to sample the wines available here. Although I’m flying economy, my status allows entry into this impressive lounge, and there’s quite a selection of wines to explore. Stoller Pinot Noir 2022, Dundee Hills, Oregon: This wine is light and supple,… Read More »

In 1912, Sigmund Freud, a pioneer in psychoanalysis, explored a provocative analogy between wine consumption and erotic pleasure in his essay titled "On the Universal Tendency to Debasement in the Sphere of Love." Freud delved into why the sexual instinct often seems at odds with its capacity for fulfillment. He suggested that when societal barriers—like… Read More »

Red Bordeaux wines blended with non-traditional grape varieties have been shown to maintain their classical taste, according to a recent study. This research explored alternatives to traditional grape varieties as winemakers seek to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. A professional panel assessed several Bordeaux wines that included one of five alternative grape… Read More »

At the recent Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in California, Jeff Bitter, the president of Allied Grape Growers, made an urgent plea for vineyard reductions to counteract the oversupply of grapes, which he estimates to be over 20,000 hectares. This marks the second consecutive year Bitter has called for action amidst declining demand for California… Read More »

My recent visit to Central Otago brought me to Rippon, where I spent time with Nick and Jo Mills. This picturesque vineyard, set on the shores of Wanaka Lake, is a significant player in the region’s viticulture history. Established in 1982 by Nick’s father, the vineyard initially featured 30 different varieties. Over the years, it… Read More »