Monthly Archives: August 2024

For the Napa 2021 Vintage Report, Decanter Premium readers will receive unparalleled in-depth coverage from our experienced Napa Valley correspondent. In addition to accessing the full vintage report from the September print issue of Decanter, Premium readers will receive special appellation reports from 11 of Napa’s top Cabernet-producing sub-AVAs, highlighting the vintage conditions and best-performing… Read More »

Website: https://kingandvictoria.com/ Located in the Twenty Mile Bench appellation of Niagara, Canada, King and Victoria preside over the Hanck vineyard, nestled beside the Wismer Parke vineyard. They acquired this once derelict fruit farm in 2002, progressively planting it between 2004 and 2007, crafting their initial wine, a 2006 Pinot Noir. The vineyard, spanning 20 acres… Read More »

Website: https://dumol.com/ On a stunning July day during the 2024 growing season, I toured DuMol while the vines were beginning to show early signs of veraison. Andy Smith, along with winemaker Jenna Davis, crafts exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley. Originating from Edinburgh, Andy ventured into the wine industry in Napa… Read More »

What does the launch of the Robinson x Brendon Precision Glass tell us about the glassware market? By Eleanor Mcneill The Robinson x Brendon Precision Glass is the latest wine glass to aspire to make the best of all possible wines. But where does that leave the market for hyper-specific glassware? Eleanor McNeill investigates. Earlier… Read More »

Website: https://www.champagne-laherte.com/?lang=EN# Champagne Laherte Frères Ultratradition Extra Brut NV FranceThis wine boasts 12.5% alcohol and originates from a blend of eight different villages around the southern Epernay and Marne valley. It comprises 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Noir, incorporating 40% reserve wines. The fermentation process utilizes both tank and oak of various… Read More »

The Cognac is contained within a stunning bottle crafted from cut lead crystal glass, featuring engravings of the producer’s name and the year of production. This exquisite bottle sits atop a green stone base embellished with golden inscriptions, accompanied by an engraved glass and a stopper. A glass dome encompasses this assembly, preserving its pristine… Read More »

Michel Bettane on the current cost of wine. By Michel Bettane Michel Bettane looks at the inequities of wine prices and wonders about the sustainability of wine prices both high and low. Looking at wine prices globally, I see that Chinese demand for ultra-speculative wines is falling. All the thousand-euro bottles of Bourgogne Aligote, €400… Read More »

The deal includes the winery, a house, a commercial kitchen, a natural cave, and a sprawling 116ha estate, with just 5ha currently under vine. Kelly Fleming Wines is located on the east side of Napa Valley, in between Calistoga and St Helena. The Kelly Fleming estate borders Hundred Acre’s ‘Few and Far Between’ vineyard. They… Read More »

Website: https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/ Giant Steps, a winery located in Yarra Valley, has recently garnered attention by winning the Halliday Guide Winery of the Year title for 2025. Interestingly, their 2023 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir also clinched the Pinot trophy, replicating the success of its predecessor. This marks a notable accomplishment for the winery. My journey to… Read More »

By David Schildknecht In a recent posting on his website The Morning Claret, Simon Woolf thoughtfully discusses the current status of wine competitions. The key elements of “discussion, retasting, and encouragement” among judges that frequently lead to re-evaluations and collective learning experiences are fascinating and promising. It is undeniable that humans are open to engaging… Read More »