We currently live under the dominance of numerical ratings in wine criticism, which has largely replaced qualitative descriptions with an obsession for scoring. This shift to a numerical rating system—most notably the 100-point scale—has permeated wine evaluation since its inception in the 19th century. The push for numbers over words reflects a growing belief that… Read More »
I haven’t engaged extensively in vineyard consulting, but I have had some experience. During one of my visits to a winery in Portugal, I collaborated with the team to evaluate their operations and provide strategic recommendations. The winery had recently changed ownership. An outsider’s perspective can be beneficial for wineries, especially when it comes from… Read More »
With the recent results of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) for 2025, American wines are making remarkable strides. California’s impressive performance stands out, but wineries in Oregon, Washington, and the eastern states like Pennsylvania and Virginia are also gaining recognition. This year, the awards celebrated two Best in Show wines from the US, one… Read More »
A recent masterclass in London featured Olivier Collin, showcasing his wines from Ulysse Collin. This was only the second time Collin presented his work in the UK, hosted at Noble Rot with an audience of sommeliers representing 23 Michelin stars. He emphasized the importance of the “gastronomic channel” for his limited production wines. Collin shared… Read More »
Designer Christian Louboutin has recently made headlines by investing in the Ragnaud-Sabourin Cognac estate, a family-owned business that has been operating since 1850. Known for its high-quality spirits, Ragnaud-Sabourin is situated in the Grand Champagne region, which is highly regarded in the Cognac industry. The estate manages 35 hectares of vineyards and is committed to… Read More »
Chris Alheit showcased three exceptional Chenin Blanc wines at the Chenin Congress 2025 held in the Loire Valley. He emphasized the noble and honest nature of the Chenin grape, revealing a trio of distinctive releases that exemplified its unique characteristics. Alheit Fire by Night Chenin Blanc 2024 from Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa, is crafted from… Read More »
Had a delightful evening in Angers at two amazing drinking venues: Cercle Rouge and Barco Vino. Cercle Rouge is a natural wine bar operated by Joseph Mosse, who comes from the renowned Mosse wine family, while Barco Vino offers a charming atmosphere aboard a boat. Both locations boast incredible wine lists, which we thoroughly explored.… Read More »
Sunny Hodge’s The Cynic’s Guide to Wine provides a critical, science-backed perspective on the wine industry, aimed at debunking popular misconceptions. Hodge, a wine judge and founder of notable London wine bars, combines his engineering background with his passion for wine, creating a guide that cuts through marketing hype to present a clear understanding of… Read More »
While visiting Tuscany, I had the incredible opportunity to sample a unique wine that embodies a centuries-old viticultural method known as "vite maritata." This technique, which involves growing vines on trees, was first brought to Italy by the Etruscans and was also practiced in France before the phylloxera crisis. It allowed farmers to cultivate grapes… Read More »
Burgundy’s Domaine Faiveley recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a series of festivities, including a gala dinner at the prestigious Clos de Vougeot and a historical tasting of selected vintages dating back to 1935. The event highlighted the domain’s rich heritage and its long-standing connection to the region’s vineyards, as Faiveley is one of the… Read More »