I’ve reported extensively on the wines from Okanagan standout Haywire. Winemaker Matt Dumayne, alongside owners Chris Coletta and Steve Lornie, have crafted a reputation for producing exceptional Okanagan wines with a focus on lower-intervention techniques, favoring concrete elevage over small oak aging. Recently, I returned to Garnet Valley, where a remarkable vineyard has taken shape.… Read More »

As California led the United States to its best performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in 2026, the state achieved numerous milestones, including one winery earning the Best in Show award for the third consecutive year. According to James Tidwell MS, Regional Chair for the USA and Central America at DWWA, this year’s… Read More »

Weingut Kranz, a prominent winery in the Pfalz region, is celebrating 25 years of producing wines from the Kalmit vineyard, located in the village of Ilbesheim on the Kleine Kalmit. The estate’s origins date back to 1947 when it was primarily focused on mixed agriculture. Boris Kranz, the current owner, joined the family business in… Read More »

Alto Adige achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), claiming nine Platinum medals, all for white wines. This performance made it the standout region in Italy, surpassing renowned areas like Tuscany and Piedmont during a time when warmer climates are less suited for ideal wine production. This mountainous region, known for… Read More »

Riesling is a hallmark of German winemaking, especially in the Mosel region, which is known for producing exceptional examples of this variety. At the recent VDP tasting showcasing upcoming GG wines, a selection of Mosel Rieslings was presented, offering insights into their profiles and quality. Starting with Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Riesling Saarburg RAUSCH 2025, this wine… Read More »

A recent release from Franck Balthazar showcases the 2022 Cornas from Northern Rhône, a region historically underestimated for its rustic wines. With only 110 hectares of vineyards, Cornas is now renowned for producing some of the world’s most highly sought-after Syrah. The Franck Balthazar Cornas 2022 features an alcohol content of 13%. This wine entices… Read More »

Mention the name "Friuli," and most wine enthusiasts immediately think of its exceptional white wines. However, in the Colli Orientali region, a captivating production of notable native red wines is taking root, marking a significant chapter in Italy’s northeast winemaking story. The Colli Orientali, or ‘Eastern Hills,’ serves as the geographical extension of the renowned… Read More »

After tasting nearly 30 examples from the 2016 Côte-Rôtie vintage, there’s a strong argument that it’s one of the great sleeper vintages of recent times, offering impressive quality, classicism, and consistency. Although it’s not as celebrated as the outstanding 2015 vintage, which is noted for its power, the 2016s stand out for their balance and… Read More »

German wine has seen a remarkable rise in reputation over the past decade, largely due to the impact of climate change, which has allowed many regions to flourish, particularly for Spätburgunder, or Pinot Noir. However, this warming trend is a double-edged sword, introducing climate extremes that can threaten the best vineyard sites in certain vintages.… Read More »

The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 showcased an impressive array of wine talents across the globe, revealing some unexpected standout regions, grapes, and styles that have emerged in the fine wine landscape. With nearly 17,000 wines judged from 58 countries, the competition notably highlights traditional wine powerhouses like France, Italy, and Spain, but it’s… Read More »