On the third Monday of November, I joked with my friend Pete Fraser, the winemaker behind Yangarra, that he owed me a lifelong gratitude for my three-hour journey to taste 15 vintages of his High Sands Grenache. Little did I know that just ten days later, he would be gone. That tasting turned out to… Read More »
Mas de Daumas Gassac is renowned for its red wines, but it also produces intriguing white varieties, with their Blanc de Raisins Blanc being a standout. Two vintages from this label, separated by eight years, showcase the evolution and quality of this wine. Mas de Daumas Gassac Blanc de Raisins Blanc 2024 displays a blend… Read More »
The 1989 vintage was a pivotal moment for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, marking a shift from longstanding traditions to modern winemaking styles. This turning point saw the introduction of the Cuvée Spéciale, which aimed to encapsulate the essence of the exceptional terroir found in the region. Traditionally, estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced a single red and sometimes a white… Read More »
Four of us gathered at The Drapers Arms for an evening of wine tasting, featuring the elegant Josephinenhütte wine glasses. We enjoyed four remarkable wines, each showcasing unique characteristics and flavors. Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2021, Western Cape, South Africa Alcohol: 13% This wine is a blend of 63% Chenin and 37% Verdelho, matured in… Read More »
Tocai Friulano, known simply as Friulano, is not the most prevalent grape variety in the Collio region of northeast Italy, having been surpassed by Pinot Grigio in cultivation. Despite accounting for only 15% of the total grape area, Friulano remains the most commonly planted variety among producers in the area. This grape, however, faces recognition… Read More »
The wines pour clockwise: Bourgogne to villages, premier cru to grand cru. The journey begins with the simple yet profound expression of the terroir. In the first stanza titled "The Table," the wines are described in meticulous detail. Each pour unveils distinct notes — the Bourgogne offers bruised apple, while Rully Village tastes of honey,… Read More »
Warm autumn sunlight filters into the tasting room of Barbadillo in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a serene spot in Spain’s Sherry region. Among the bottles of both new and aged wines, Montserrat (Montse) Molina, a prominent figure in the world of Sherry, shares her journey from pharmacist to winemaker, illustrating her unique blend of knowledge and… Read More »
These wines were tasted during a new release event in London in October 2025, featuring an impressive selection from across New Zealand, highlighting some exceptional finds. The standout wines included the complete lineup of Felton Road’s 2024 releases, which were particularly remarkable. Ostler Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021, Waitaki, Otago: This wine exhibits a floral and… Read More »
To mark the 10th anniversary of Domaine Piéblanc in Gigondas, Mathieu Ponson teamed up with photographer Grégoire Eloy for an artistic project titled "Two Steps from the Sky." This collaboration not only celebrates the vineyard but also explores deep philosophical themes about shelter and exposure, echoing existential reflections from thinkers like Nietzsche and Heidegger. Ponson… Read More »
Penfolds, a renowned Australian wine producer, is making significant strides in France, particularly in Bordeaux, a region famous for its wine heritage. This endeavor is groundbreaking, as the French wine industry has traditionally protected its renowned vineyards against foreign intervention. Penfolds’ cautious entry marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of global winemaking. Historically, French… Read More »