The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage stands out as a powerhouse among recent years, showcasing remarkable quality and the potential for aging despite modern trends favoring moderation in alcohol content. Matt Walls emphasizes that powerful, high-alcohol wines ought to retain their rightful place in our collections. Reflecting on the vintage’s evolution, especially through the unpredictability of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s… Read More »

During my visit to Domaine Merlin in La Roche-Vineuse, I was struck by a beautiful pebble mosaic resembling a bunch of grapes on the cellar floor. I asked Olivier Merlin about it, and he casually mentioned it was already there when he and his wife Corinne took over the estate in 1987. I first met… Read More »

Blended Scotch whisky, often overshadowed by its single malt counterpart, is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts begin to recognize the artistry behind these concoctions. While single malt Scotch has earned a prestigious reputation, blended Scotch is now being celebrated for its creativity and complexity. This style of whisky involves combining multiple single malts with grain… Read More »

I’m stepping outside my usual wine reviews to highlight an exceptional cider from Little Pomona, aptly named after the inspirations behind it—the wines of Jura. This cider is crafted from the Egremont Russet apple variety, undergoing a wild fermentation process in oak, followed by a three-year aging period under flor. Little Pomona Many Rivers Egremont… Read More »

Anabel, a 25-year-old Londoner, reflects on her journey with wine, noting how it has become a cherished way to connect with friends and celebrate moments, particularly during the summer of 2026. Her love for wine traces back to her childhood when she tasted sparkling wine from her parents’ glasses on New Year’s Eve. Influenced by… Read More »

A delightful low-intervention red wine, Stesso Stesso Beulah Violetta Rosso 2024, hails from Umbria, Italy, boasting an alcohol content of 12.5%. This winemaking project is the brainchild of Australian couple James Hird and Annie Conley, who relocated to Umbria to acquire the historic Beulah Violetta estate, a 150-year-old vineyard near Todi. Dedicated to regenerative and… Read More »

Cecilia Pinot Noir 2024 from Ceres, South Africa, is garnering attention as an impressive representation of Pinot Noir, coming from a region not typically known for this varietal. This wine boasts an alcohol content of 13% and captures the essence of its terroir, presenting characteristics reminiscent of Nebbiolo more than traditional Pinot Noir. On the… Read More »

Marc Millon recently reviewed the book Italianity: The Culture of Italian Wine, authored by Andrea Lonardi MW and Jessica Dupuy, at a masterclass wine tasting during Vinitaly 2026. The event featured a blind tasting of a St-Emilion grand cru and a Merlot from Bolgheri, revealing how a globally planted grape like Merlot can embody uniquely… Read More »

Pavlova, a dessert that has become synonymous with both New Zealand and Australia, garnished with kiwifruit and strawberries on one side and passionfruit on the other, is steeped in a delicious debate over its origins. This meringue-based dish, light and airy, is said to have been named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova during… Read More »

Set on one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Lanzerac Hotel & Spa offers a unique blend of history and contemporary luxury, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch. This venue, with its storied past of 334 years, is characterized by its elegant Cape Dutch architecture and extensive gardens adorned with oak trees. Lanzerac’s origins date… Read More »