Jason Millar, Roger Jones, and Victoria Mason MW recently conducted a tasting of 90 South African red blends, uncovering that South Africa has emerged as a significant player in the wine world, known for both character and value. Notably, 60% of the wines received scores of 90 points or higher. Tasting Highlights The panel identified… Read More »
Matt Gant, an accomplished Australian winemaker previously behind the brand First Drop, has launched a new wine venture in Margaret River, Western Australia, called Gant & Co. Following the sale of his half of First Drop in 2021, Gant has pivoted to focus on this new project. The vineyard, located in Karridale, was established by… Read More »
March celebrates the "birthday" of Riesling, a wine celebrated for its versatility and the ability to express terroir. To commemorate this significant month for the grape, Wine of Germany has designated March 13 as Riesling Day. Riesling can be found in several styles, ranging from dry to sweet, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.… Read More »
Over the past few years, Jamie Kutch has established himself as a leading producer of Pinot Noir in California, known for crafting exciting wines from cool-climate vineyards. His recent releases include a notable collection of 2024 vintage Pinot Noirs, showcasing a range of styles and flavors. 2024 Releases Kutch Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2024This new… Read More »
It seems that many of my friends are traveling to Japan, and I’m filled with envy as I look at their photos showcasing delicious ramen, yakitori, and stunning landscapes captured during their journeys on high-speed trains. While I wait for an invitation to join them, I’ve been diving into the literary world of sake, the… Read More »
The Champagne Drappier Premier Cru 2013 has garnered attention for its notable quality, particularly as it appears in the Cathay Pacific Deck lounge, a selection that also features Laurent Perrier and Taittinger Rosé. Although detailed information about this specific cuvée is scarce, it stands out for its bright and precise palate. Tasting reveals vibrant notes… Read More »
2024 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Santenay and Cheilly-lès-Maranges Sarah Marsh MW reports on the 2024 vintage from the Côte de Beaune, focusing on the producers in Santenay and Cheilly-lès-Maranges. SANTENAY DOMAINE JESSIAUME William Waterkeyn, the winemaker at Domaine Jessiaume for 11 years, has worked diligently to transform the estate. Acquiring 6ha back from fermage… Read More »
2024 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Puligny-Montrachet Sarah Marsh MW continues her exploration of the 2024 Burgundy vintage with insights on producers in Puligny-Montrachet. Domaine des Cabottes In 2022, Artémis Domaines merged with Bouchard Père & Fils, leading to the formation of Domaine des Cabottes, which will showcase the finest Bouchard cuvées starting from the… Read More »
The European wine market has historically been characterized by significant fragmentation, with thousands of producers operating across various appellations, each influenced by their distinct local climates, regulations, and traditions. While this diversity has defined the industry’s strength, it has also introduced inefficiencies, requiring national importers, regional wholesalers, and specialized retailers to act as intermediaries between… Read More »
A recent tasting event in New York showcased Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s 2023 vintage wines, offering a pleasure-filled exploration that revealed unexpected nuances. While the expectation for 2023 was lush and ripe fruit due to its sunny and high-yielding nature, the final wines surprised tasters with their complexity compared to the initial barrel impressions. Perrine… Read More »