The 2022 vintage from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) has proven to be exceptional, showcasing both richness and generosity that wine enthusiasts will likely remember. Charles Curtis MW tasted these wines in the US upon their release, confirming the initial promise observed during earlier barrel tastings. This year’s wines exhibit extraordinary balance, a notable evolution… Read More »
Martine Saunier (1934–2025): A generous French wine ambassador Martine Saunier, a trailblazing wine importer, passed away in February 2025 after a brief battle with cancer. She is remembered for introducing American wine enthusiasts to some of the finest French wineries, including Château Rayas and renowned producers like Henri Jayer and Lalou Bize-Leroy. Her contributions to… Read More »
Recently, a conversation with a former Royal Marine drew my attention to the nuances of the senses, specifically concerning smell and taste. The Marine shared insights on how critical sight is in the field and how training involves overcoming the visual system’s drawbacks. For instance, looking into shadows is essential when searching for concealed individuals,… Read More »
Domaine de La Romanée-Conti has experienced significant variations in yield over the years due to climate change, with the recent vintages showing a compelling contrast. Although yields are generally low, recent years like 2017, 2014, and 2009 yielded generously, whereas 2019, 2015, 2012, and 2010 were substantially lower. The 2022 vintage, however, is noted for… Read More »
A manifesto for making the wine world less forbidding for newcomers. During a dinner gathering, Terry Theise reflects on an interaction with friends, one of whom was a fellow wine enthusiast and others being well-educated doctors. When asked about the wine served, Theise’s instinct was to provide minimal information, only the essential details. The evening… Read More »
Cliff Lede Vineyards has recently announced its acquisition of three hectares (7.5 acres) of vineyard land from the Andelin family, situated in the acclaimed Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. This strategic purchase not only allows Lede to increase its property holdings but also positions the winery to enhance its focus on producing Cabernet Sauvignon,… Read More »
Matt Walls explores the evolution of Domaine Mayard located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a region renowned for its traditional winemaking practices. Despite the challenges of establishing a unique identity in such a historical area, the estate has managed to carve out a distinct niche. Domaine Mayard is led by Arthur Mayard, whose dedication to innovation is reflected… Read More »
As climate change increasingly affects wine production, there’s a growing conversation about utilizing old-vine varieties to create better wines under new conditions. Historically, grape variety selection evolved with natural and human influences. Three centuries ago, winemakers often used a wide range of grapes, which diminished as understanding of varietals grew, particularly with the introduction of… Read More »
Whitewolfe Estates is an exciting venture in the world of Chardonnay, founded in 2019 by Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe. The duo met while studying at Plumpton College in 2009, where Clare was already working for Bibendum while Luke was transitioning from a mortgage advisor to the world of wine. His journey in the industry… Read More »
Bordeaux has produced a remarkable series of vintages recently, with the 2020 vintage standing out. According to Andrew Jefford, it is a very good and sometimes great year, marking a continuation of the region’s luck following other successful years like 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. This period suggests that Bordeaux may be in a “Goldilocks… Read More »