New Zealand is a relative newcomer in the significant wine-producing landscape, gaining international recognition primarily in the mid-1980s. Despite the earliest vines being planted in 1819 and the establishment of the oldest winery, Mission Estate, in 1851, New Zealand had not been acknowledged in iconic wine references until more recently. The modern winemaking story in… Read More »
With climate change impacting vineyard conditions, alcohol levels in wine have increased significantly over the past fifty years, leading to a need for reevaluation by both winemakers and consumers regarding what these changes mean for the wine experience. Rising Alcohol Levels A comparison of two iconic vintages showcases this trend vividly: Château Latour and Penfolds… Read More »
The 41st Cape Winemakers Guild Auction is set to take place on October 3-4, 2025, showcasing an exceptional selection of 48 unique lots from South Africa’s premier winemakers. The auction has already raised the bar for South African fine wines, with a remarkable number of lots achieving pre-tasting scores of 95 points or higher from… Read More »
The invitation to taste wines produced in distant lands may raise eyebrows, but it’s an opportunity one shouldn’t miss. Over an extensive period, I’ve sampled an impressive selection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Coonawarra, each marked by the region’s unique dark red soils. My preparation involved long walks through London’s Regent’s Park and St James’s,… Read More »
Jason Haas of Tablas Creek and Andrew Bayley, the General Manager of Beaucastel’s UK operation, recently hosted an insightful tasting that explored the partnership between the Rhône Valley and Paso Robles, California. This event was organized by The Wine Society, a retailer known for its close ties with both vineyards. The story begins in 1967… Read More »
Kieran Bonner’s book, Euphoria and Symposia: The Dialectic of Desire in Thinking, Drinking, and Well-Being, delves into the complex relationship between drinking and intellectual reflection, exploring how inebriation can lead to moments of transcendence and unity. Bonner, an Irish-Canadian sociologist, argues against the stigma of intoxication that has permeated modern perspectives, drawing on historical and… Read More »
Zachys, a renowned auction house, recently conducted a historic auction that achieved a remarkable total of $11.16 million (£8.3 million) for a rare collection of 19th-century Bordeaux wines. This collection, owned by the late Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky, a descendant of the Rothschild family famous for Château Lafite, featured wines that were esteemed for their… Read More »
Once past the lavish descriptions, the 2008 Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 emerges as an exceptional wine crafted by an outstanding winemaker. The interplay of two historical figures, Montesquieu and Montaigne, serves as a backdrop to this wine review. While both were fond of wine, their interests generally lay in philosophy, contrasting with the practical artistry… Read More »
Decanter’s October 2025 issue highlights the winners of the Hall of Fame and Rising Star awards, honoring Nicolas Joly and Wu Xiuyong. The magazine introduces six emerging talents from New Zealand and provides insights into the intimidating world of restaurant wine lists. The travel section explores Spain’s Basque Country, celebrated for its culinary delights, while… Read More »
Three noteworthy additions to the Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide series, published by Academie du Vin Library, deliver valuable insights for wine enthusiasts looking to explore some of Europe’s top wine regions. The first book, Rioja by Fintan Kerr, stands out as an accessible guide that captures the essence of this famous Spanish wine region. Written… Read More »