Champagne Taittinger has released its Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2014, and critics are praising it as an outstanding expression of the vintage. This champagne, featuring a 12.5% alcohol content, is entirely sourced from Grand Cru villages including Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. Aged for a decade on the lees… Read More »
The Pinot Noir & Identity Symposium made its debut on July 10, 2025, at St Cross College, University of Oxford. Opening with a statement from Jacqueline Dutton, a professor at the University of Melbourne, the event highlighted the importance of acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, marking a deep respect for the Indigenous peoples… Read More »
Vin Santo, a historically significant wine from Tuscany, is experiencing a renaissance despite being less heralded than other dessert wines. This traditional sweet wine is made from partially dried grapes and boasts a rich heritage tied to the region. Its name is believed to have originated during a 1439 meeting of Catholic and Orthodox bishops… Read More »
I recently made a return visit to Gamay, an exceptional wine bar nestled in Athens. Owner Yiannis Pappis, who previously worked at the renowned Mr Vertigo wine shop and import agency, has curated an impressive selection of both Greek and international wines, focusing on low intervention practices. You can find a range of delightful wines… Read More »
Laphroaig, the renowned single malt whisky from Islay, has announced an intriguing new partnership with acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe. The collaboration was introduced at a private event in Selfridges, London, where a short film titled "The Taste" was unveiled. This campaign is part of Laphroaig’s ongoing "Unphorgettable" initiative launched in 2024. In the film, directed… Read More »
Earlier this month, I participated in The Judgement of Cape Town, a blind tasting event focused on premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, echoing the historic Judgement of Paris in 1976. This was the second blind tasting orchestrated by The Singles Club, which highlights the collaborative efforts of Hemel-en-Aarde producers including Restless River, Storm Wines, and… Read More »
In 1838, Prussian wine merchant William Deutz established his company in Champagne, settling in the prestigious village of Aÿ, a location that shared prominence with others like Epernay. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Aÿ’s geological significance has made it a grand cru site. Deutz has maintained its original location at 16 Rue… Read More »
Harvest season is currently flourishing across the Pacific Northwest, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley to Washington State’s Columbia Valley, as winemakers work to wrap up the 2025 vintage. In Oregon, winemaker John Grochau, who produces wine at GC Wines, noted that the current year’s vintage may resemble the previous one. He described the growing season as… Read More »
Hannes Schuster, who runs Weingut Rosi Schuster, is notable for crafting exceptional wines in Sankt Margarethen, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Neusiedlersee. The winery, named after his mother Rosi, was established by his parents and has been operated by Hannes since 2007, after his father’s passing. The winery’s vineyards, spread across 17 hectares,… Read More »
I recently met with Árpád Tomcsányi to taste a selection of his wines, which are crafted from three hectares of biodynamically farmed vines located on the western banks of Somló hill, Hungary. The property was originally acquired by his parents, and Tomcsányi began his winemaking journey in 2016 while balancing a career in filmmaking. Here… Read More »