Continuing the exploration of the exceptional VDP tastings held in Wiesbaden, August 2026, here are some detailed notes on the delightful Rheingau Rieslings I experienced. The scores reflect my appreciation for these outstanding wines. August Kesseler Riesling Lorchhausen SELIGMACHER 2025 Rheingau: This wine showcases a focused, lime-laden nose with remarkable precision. The palate reveals a… Read More »

Billecart-Salmon, a prestigious Champagne house, was established shortly after the Congress of Vienna, marking a new era for France post-empire. The union of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ laid the foundation for a dynasty that would prioritize quality wine production, greatly influenced by Elisabeth’s brother, Louis. His expertise in cool fermentation and temperature… Read More »

Anthony Rose highlights some exceptional Spätburgunder wines from the 2025 vintage in his latest VDP Grosses Gewächs Sneak Preview. The selection emphasizes the remarkable quality of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from various German regions. Ahr Region 2024 Spätburgunder, Sonnenberg, Neuenahr, Jean StoddenThis wine shows a youthful intensity with rich dark berry and cherry flavors. Initially strong… Read More »

When preparing for an exclusive lunch at Decanter’s Fine Wine Encounter London, Jesús Jiménez, the technical director of Bodega Numanthia, discusses the importance of preserving and showcasing the rare heritage of old vines in Spain’s Toro region, while also recommending local dishes. Background Born in La Mancha, Spain, Jiménez grew up amidst vineyards and a… Read More »

Margaret River Vintage Report: 2024 Chardonnay and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon The latest vintage report from Margaret River showcases standout wines, particularly highlighting the 2024 Chardonnay and the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. In a remarkable twist, 2024 recorded the earliest Chardonnay harvest on record, while 2023 was an exceptional year for Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintage Conditions: 2024 Chardonnay… Read More »

Gina Fernandes Harfman is the owner and winemaker at Nostalgia Wines, located in Black Sage Bench, Okanagan Valley, Canada. With a background rooted in Portuguese heritage and a family history in the Okanagan, Gina’s winemaking journey started in 2009 when she made her first wine for a family event using grapes from her father Ken… Read More »

The wine industry has recently welcomed a new grape variety: Sémillon Gris, a naturally occurring mutation of the Sémillon grape, officially recognized by the OIV with roots in South Africa. Sémillon Gris is distinctively a pink-skinned variant of Sémillon, and while it has been long affiliated with South African vineyards, formal recognition brings its status… Read More »

Donavan Rall’s wines have captivated me since my first encounter with them 15 years ago, and his Rall Syrah 2024 from Swartland, South Africa, is no exception. This captivating wine has an alcohol content of 13% and is aged in concrete. It opens with floral aromatics that hint at stony nuances, complemented by the sweetness… Read More »

Château la Commaraine in Pommard, Burgundy has emerged as a highly anticipated luxury hotel and spa, recently opened to the delight of wine enthusiasts. This establishment offers a unique experience; it’s not just near top vineyards, but set within one, surrounded by the historic Clos de la Commaraine premier cru vineyard. The château, which has… Read More »

Cabernet Sauvignon is globally celebrated for crafting full-bodied red wines abundant in rich blackcurrant flavors, robust tannins, and notable longevity. This iconic grape variety is the most widely cultivated in the world, thriving across approximately 340,000 hectares. If these vines were consolidated, the vineyard would span an area resembling Long Island, Mallorca, or Goa. From… Read More »