My exploration of Central Otago continued with a deep dive into Felton Road, a vineyard I had previously visited. This time, I engaged with owner Nigel Greening, viticulturist Gareth King, his daughter Nicola Greening, who handles wine sales, and winemaker Blair Walter. Felton Road has long been committed to biodynamic farming and is now seeking… Read More »
Bordeaux has recently been in the spotlight, with its market performance and future prospects examined in the latest edition of "Market Watch" from Decanter magazine’s February 2025 issue. Over the past two years, Bordeaux prices have decreased significantly amidst a broader downturn in the fine wine market. This trend is discussed in detail within the… Read More »
Corbières, located in Languedoc, is a picturesque wine region with a rich terroir; however, it has struggled to shed its perception as a producer of inexpensive, sun-soaked wines. Maxime Magnon has emerged as a leading figure in this area, working diligently to demonstrate the potential of this appellation. Originally from Burgundy, Magnon has been operating… Read More »
Margaret Rand recently explored the redesigned Ruinart facility at 4 Rue des Crayères in Reims, highlighting its exclusive offerings and artistic ambiance. The establishment is now home to the new Sou Fujimoto-designed Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, where visitors can find a unique range of recently disgorged wines. Upon arrival, the contrast between the chalky exterior and… Read More »
The Church of England has decreed that alcohol-free wine will not be permissible for Holy Communion, as this practice is contrary to ecclesiastical law. Church leaders were approached to consider incorporating alternatives, such as alcohol-free wine and gluten-free bread, during the Eucharist. However, they concluded that using alcohol-free wine would nullify the essential fermentation process,… Read More »
As Howell Mountain celebrates its fifth decade as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), the legacy of Randy Dunn and his renowned Cabernet Sauvignons remains a hallmark for the region. However, a new wave of skilled and financially robust producers is reshaping the landscape of Howell Mountain, adding a refined touch to its renowned wines. Despite… Read More »
It was a long and peculiar drive from Waipara to Queenstown, taking about seven hours. The first part of the journey encompassed two and a half hours through flat, pivot-irrigated cow pastures to the south of Christchurch, a rather dreary sight. Upon reaching Geraldine, a quintessential country town, the scenery began to transform. As the… Read More »
In a recent reflection, wine expert Matt Walls dives into the evolution of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s wine-making styles, using Domaine de la Mordorée as a key example. Historically, the late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by a “modern” approach characterized by excessive ripeness and the heavy use of new oak barrels. However, such extremes have fallen… Read More »
Makarounas Vineyards was founded by Theodoros Makarounas in 2016, building on his family’s long history of grape growing. Located in the Letymbou village of Pafos, Cyprus—which is the island’s largest wine region—Makarounas Vineyards is unique in that it operates exclusively on an estate model. This means they produce wine only from their own vineyards, contributing… Read More »
Sarah Marsh MW’s recent tasting notes summarize the characteristics of wines from Beaujolais based on the 2023 Burgundy en primeur tastings. Moulin-à-Vent Marsh highlights Château des Jacques‘s Moulin-à-Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin, with coffee notes and robust tannins, showcasing tart red-plum fruit. The wine is described as hearty, with a future drinking window extending from… Read More »