Category Archives: Blog

Jose Luís Bastías and Daniela Lorenzo manage a remarkable six-hectare vineyard in the Maule Valley of Chile, which was originally planted in the early 19th century. During a visit in November, the unique characteristics of the vineyard, including its impressive 200-year-old bush vines, were striking. Jose Luís, a fifth-generation vintner, met Daniela, an agronomist, during… Read More »

I was recently in Berlin with Doug Wregg, and we were on the hunt for a great place to eat. Our search led us to Nomi, a wine bar that proved to be an excellent choice. The atmosphere was inviting, and the wine selection was impressive, comprising a variety of exquisite options that catered to… Read More »

Champagne Barons de Rothschild has unveiled two exciting new releases, both emphasizing the importance of distinctive terroirs within their estate. These grand cru Côte des Blancs Chardonnays continue the house’s exploration of single-plot expressions, following their first offering, the 2019 Le Grand Clos. The new cuvées parcellaires consist of Les Maladries in Avize and Le… Read More »

California vintner Jean-Charles Boisset has made a significant investment by acquiring the 350-acre Artesa Estate in Carneros from Spain’s Raventós Codorníu. This purchase adds to his already expansive portfolio in Napa and Sonoma, which includes well-known properties like Raymond Vineyards and Flora Springs. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. The estate features… Read More »

I visited Dynamic Vines in Bermondsey one Saturday morning to explore the wines of Sicus, a fascinating winery located in Bonastre, near Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain. This winery is the brainchild of Eduard Piè, who emphasizes the use of indigenous grape varieties grown organically and fermented in amphorae, known locally as tinajas, made from local clay.… Read More »

Lucy Hill-Smith, a sixth-generation member of the renowned Australian winery Yalumba, will be hosting an intimate lunch at this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London. The event is set to take place from November 6 to 7, during which attendees will have the opportunity to taste Yalumba’s acclaimed wines. Growing up in the lush surroundings… Read More »

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage stands out as a powerhouse among recent years, showcasing remarkable quality and the potential for aging despite modern trends favoring moderation in alcohol content. Matt Walls emphasizes that powerful, high-alcohol wines ought to retain their rightful place in our collections. Reflecting on the vintage’s evolution, especially through the unpredictability of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s… Read More »

During my visit to Domaine Merlin in La Roche-Vineuse, I was struck by a beautiful pebble mosaic resembling a bunch of grapes on the cellar floor. I asked Olivier Merlin about it, and he casually mentioned it was already there when he and his wife Corinne took over the estate in 1987. I first met… Read More »

Blended Scotch whisky, often overshadowed by its single malt counterpart, is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts begin to recognize the artistry behind these concoctions. While single malt Scotch has earned a prestigious reputation, blended Scotch is now being celebrated for its creativity and complexity. This style of whisky involves combining multiple single malts with grain… Read More »

I’m stepping outside my usual wine reviews to highlight an exceptional cider from Little Pomona, aptly named after the inspirations behind it—the wines of Jura. This cider is crafted from the Egremont Russet apple variety, undergoing a wild fermentation process in oak, followed by a three-year aging period under flor. Little Pomona Many Rivers Egremont… Read More »