Monthly Archives: December 2025

Radford Dale is currently making remarkable strides in wine production, focusing on freshness and elegance rather than sheer power. Their latest offerings include the Vinum range, which provides exceptional value with well-crafted wines at reasonable prices. They have also expanded their portfolio with an organic range, acquired from the biodynamically farmed Elgin Ridge vineyard. Notable… Read More »

The wine industry in the United States is grappling with significant challenges stemming from political instability, particularly under the current Trump administration. This period has seen unpredictable tariffs, especially targeting European wines, leading to a tangible sense of anxiety within the industry. While dealing with ongoing pressures like labor shortages, supply chain issues, and rising… Read More »

Casa Marin is a notable boutique winery in Chile, located in the subregion of Lo Abarca within San Antonio. Established by María Luz Marín, who was the first female winery founder in Chile, the winery is unique as it is the only vineyard owner in Lo Abarca, thus creating its own distinctive Denomination of Origin… Read More »

Hero Wine Sagrantino is no longer merely Italy’s "most tannic red wine." Instead, it has transformed into one of its most exquisitely textured and richly flavored reds. Andrew Jefford explores the 2019 Valentini Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino, celebrating the evolution of Sagrantino from its past reputation. The comparison between wine and music emerges, particularly through the… Read More »

Swiss grape geneticist and author José Vouillamoz recently hosted a tasting event in London, focusing on the origins of the Syrah grape and its successful adaptation in Switzerland. His impressive selection of six exceptional Swiss Syrahs provided attendees a glimpse into a unique wine region that rivals the renowned Côte-Rôtie in the Rhône Valley. During… Read More »

Giant Steps winery was established in the Yarra Valley by Phil Sexton in the late 1990s. Known for his entrepreneurial ventures, Sexton previously founded and sold two breweries, Matilda Bay and Little Creatures, along with a winery, Devil’s Lair, in Western Australia. He moved to the Yarra Valley in 1997, with the first vintage of… Read More »

A fine new guide to the proper stuff As Beaujolais finally garners the attention it deserves, Natasha Hughes MW’s new book, The Wines of Beaujolais, arrives at a pivotal moment. Over the years, many outsiders, including wine aficionados, have had a skewed perception of Beaujolais, often associating it solely with the light and bubbly Beaujolais… Read More »

Rob Dolan has been a prominent figure in the Yarra Valley since 1991, starting his journey as a winemaker for Tony Jordan. His background as a former professional Aussie Rules footballer for Port Adelaide adds an intriguing layer to his story. Over the years, Dolan has expanded his endeavors to include multiple wineries, producing wine… Read More »

The Weyborne Oriana Golden Spur Brut 2022 from Sussex, England, is an early release sparkling wine boasting 12% alcohol. This wine has an intriguing oxidative style, beginning its fermentation process in an open tank, with 3% aged in barrels, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The blend consists of 46% Chardonnay, 53% Pinot Noir, and 1%… Read More »

Daphne Teremetz, formerly a wine buyer at Waitrose for eight years, has started a new import business named Saison Wines. Launched about a year ago, Saison focuses exclusively on organic wines from France, catering primarily to independent wine merchants. Teremetz’s aim is to collaborate with growers to offer high-quality wines at reasonable prices, all while… Read More »