Just over a decade into the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA), this year showcased a dynamic range of wines, marking its evolution into a notable event for the region. The 11th edition was held on May 1-2, bringing together around 300 participants, including vintners, trade professionals, media, and for the first time, select customers. The… Read More »
While the new manifesto from the Slow Wine Coalition has its merits, it also has a critical flaw according to Nick Ryan. The Slow Wine Coalition, an offshoot of the broader Slow Food Movement, recently introduced a Slow Food Manifesto for Good, Clean and Fair Wine. Although it contains sensible suggestions, its first major stipulation… Read More »
I’m currently in western Colombia, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm-hearted locals. However, the supermarket selection is disappointing, primarily offering basic Rioja or overpriced Chilean and Argentinian wines. This contrasts sharply with the remarkable selections we feature in our latest articles, especially our comprehensive guide to Rioja included in this month’s issue. This edition marks… Read More »
Château Cheval Blanc, a prominent winery in St-Emilion, has announced the release of its 2024 vintage at a price significantly lower than previous years. Released on May 6, 2025, the Cheval Blanc 2024 is priced at €276 per bottle, marking the lowest en primeur price since the 2008 vintage. UK merchants have offered it at… Read More »
Sashi Moorman visited to discuss the wines from Domaine de la Côte, a Pinot Noir-focused winery in California that has garnered considerable interest. Notably, he highlighted a vertical tasting of their Bloom’s Field wine, spanning vintages from 2013 to 2021. Moorman, alongside partner Raj Parr, leads the winery, which is nestled in an industrial area… Read More »
Aya is a boutique winery located in the Struma Valley of Bulgaria, managing two distinct vineyards. The primary vineyard, Harsovo, is situated near the town of Melnik and benefits from a warm climate, where they cultivate varieties such as Melnik, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Syrah, and Grenache. Spanning 35 hectares, some of these vines are old,… Read More »
Clos Rougeard, a revered estate in the Loire Valley known for its remarkable wines, is experiencing a resurgence under the stewardship of the Bouygues family. This historic producer, which focuses on the indigenous grapes Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, has maintained its reputation for crafting wines that exemplify the best of the region. Located just… Read More »
Wealthy collectors of high-end single malts are stepping back from whisky auctions, as a recent report from Scottish investment bank Noble & Co highlights a significant downturn in the market. From October 2024 to January 2025, the report noted a "sharp correction" in the secondary market for single malt Scotch whisky. The total transaction value… Read More »
I’m a big fan of Aligoté, and the 2022 Domaine Reunaud Boyer Bourgogne Aligoté is one of the best examples I’ve encountered recently. This wine, originating from Bourgogne, France, has an alcohol content of 11.5%. It presents an impressive bouquet that includes aromas of sea spray, candle wax, and crystalline citrus, complemented by a hint… Read More »
Torres Mas La Plana 2018, a notable Cabernet Sauvignon from the Penedès region in Spain, showcases an impressive 14.5% alcohol content. This wine originates from the historic Mas La Plana vineyard, where Torres first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in 1966. The initial name for this wine was Gran Coronas Black Label, which gained fame in 1979… Read More »