Website: https://www.williamdownie.com.au/ William Downie, a prominent and insightful Australian winegrower, first welcomed me for a visit in December 2015. I had the pleasure of meeting him again at a technical conference in Adelaide in 2017. Recently, I tasted his wines once more during his first UK visit in 8 years, where he presented his Pin… Read More »
This morning’s (10 June) release of Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2023 (97-points, Decanter) continued the recent pattern of price reductions compared to last year’s en primeur campaign for the 2022 vintage. However, despite these cuts, the wine’s cost remains higher than some older vintages from the Pessac-Léognan estate, as reported by Liv-ex, a major trade… Read More »
In between still and spumante wine styles, frizzante was commonly found in osterie and traditional trattorie across various Italian regions. In Campania, the effervescence helped mellow the intense acidity of Asprinio; in the Oltrè Po, it balanced the strong tannins of the Croatina grape; in Emilia, it served as the perfect complement to the region’s… Read More »
Stumbled upon this wine at the Kews’ notable Good Wine Shop. After trekking from Twickenham to Kew and a garden visit, it was a pleasure to discover that one can purchase a bottle, pay £10 for corkage, and enjoy it on the premises or just outside along with a selection of cold dishes. Perfect for… Read More »
Website: https://cozinhadasflores.com/ I visited Cozinha das Flores twice in consecutive evenings because I was thoroughly impressed by their offerings. My initial visit was part of a large group event from the Simplesmente Vinho festival, during which Nuno Mendes, the proprietor, prepared several dishes from their menu that perfectly complemented the selection of low-fi wines of… Read More »
The third annual Decanter Fine Wine Encounter returns to New York City this Saturday, 8 June, promising an exquisite selection of wines and a line-up of enthusiastic wine influencers. Here’s a sneak peek into the wines our influencers are eagerly looking forward to tasting. Heather Muriello is particularly looking forward to the 2013 Quintessa from… Read More »
Is there a better value wine than biologically aged Fino Sherry and Manzanilla? This Solear from Barbadillo is available on the shelf in the UK today for £10 and it’s quite beautiful. It’s not the ‘best’ out there, but it’s pure, delicate and drinkable and uses flor character to good effect – not as make-up.… Read More »
Malhadinha Nova are a renowned estate in Alentejo, positioned at the southern tip near the Algarve. They have expanded their vineyard operations into the Sao Mamede national park, within the Portalegre subregion of Alentejo. Positioned at higher elevations, this area offers a distinct terroir. Their new wine series, Teixinha, showcases notably impressive qualities. Malhadinha Nova… Read More »
Château Margaux 2023 was released this morning (6 June), alongside the estate’s Pavillon Rouge and Pavillon Blanc labels, with Gruaud Larose and Calon Ségur also joining the day’s offerings. Releases at a glance: Château Margaux’s appearance means that all of the Left Bank first growths have now released their 2023 wines, except Château Latour, which… Read More »
What insights are to be gained from an event where top-tier New World wines compete with esteemed Old World varietals? By Anne Krebiehl MW Anne Krebiehl MW provides coverage from the Judgment of London, a blind tasting modeled after Steven Spurrier’s 1976 famed competition, yet with a more agreeable outcome this time around. The call… Read More »