Discovering Pegasus Bay: A Hidden Gem in North Canterbury, New Zealand

Back in 1976, Christchurch neurologist Ivan Donaldson discovered his passion for wine, leading him and a group of medical friends to plant a one-acre vineyard in a chilly spot on the outskirts of Christchurch. Taking on winemaking responsibilities, he produced wine in his garage. By the mid-1980s, Ivan sought greater ambitions and began exploring properties… Read More »

Discovering Terroir: A Journey Through Nebbiolo Prima in Alba

Back in early December, I joined an international group of journalists in Alba for the 30th edition of Nebbiolo Prima, a celebrated event dedicated to the Nebbiolo wines of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero. Since its inception in 1996, Nebbiolo Prima has showcased new vintages prior to their release, organized by the Consorzio Albeisa, which represents… Read More »

Exploring Goode’s Cribsheets: A Deep Dive into Victorian Pinot Noir

Victoria, while being the second smallest state in Australia, boasts an impressive array of wine regions, particularly renowned for Pinot Noir. This latest crib sheet highlights various producers whose wines are highly sought after in wine shops and restaurant lists, though the list remains somewhat incomplete. The crib sheet is characterized as Goode’s personal recommendations,… Read More »

2018 Champagne: Unveiling the Dawn of a Golden Trilogy

The 2018 Champagne vintage boasts a remarkable reputation for both its quality and quantity, and it rightfully lives up to the hype. This vintage is part of a celebrated trilogy, alongside the 2019 and 2020 vintages, resulting from favorable growing conditions following the challenging 2017 season. The 2018 growing season, described as "spectacular," began with… Read More »