On January 20, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stirred concerns among US winemakers by announcing a plan to remove all US wine, beer, and spirits from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) as a response to President Trump’s tariff threats. However, a sudden agreement between Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau on a 30-day pause on… Read More »
Mâconnais: 2023 Vintage Insights and Producers’ Perspectives In the pursuit of understanding Burgundy’s 2023 vintage, the journey led to Mâconnais, specifically Pouilly-Fuissé, where wines exhibit a mixed character yet show promise. The review concentrated on the "premiers crus," which have generally been found to be well-balanced and not overly concentrated. The results showed that 2023… Read More »
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has introduced its 2022 vintage wines, showcasing an impressive collection at a recent tasting event in London, attended by UK trade and press. The co-directors, Perrine Fenal and Bertrand de Villaine, were present to unveil wines that exemplify ripeness and balance, each distinctly reflecting its terroir. Following the disappointingly low yields… Read More »
Day 3 in New Zealand marked my final day in Waipara/North Canterbury, and it proved to be quite remarkable. I began my morning with a scenic walk through the hills behind the vineyards, traversing Mountford Estate—whose wines I have long admired but hadn’t encountered in a while—before arriving at Muddy Water. The trail was delightful,… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte Chalonnaise Sarah Marsh MW presents her insights on the 2023 Burgundy vintage, focusing on the diverse producers in the Côte Chalonnaise. Côte Chalonnaise—Rully Domaine Belleville Rully Premier Cru La Pucelle: This wine impresses with its creamy texture and ripe apricot notes, showcasing a clear oak influence. Maturity expected between 2025… Read More »
February is often seen as a quieter month in the wine industry, especially following the bustling activity of January’s new vintage reviews. However, this February, dubbed ‘Fine Wine February’, promises an exciting lineup of articles and insights. Recent Highlights In the first week, several noteworthy articles have been published. Notably, Italy Editor James Button explored… Read More »
The day begins as the early light dissolves the darkness, revealing the surroundings from my bed in an off-grid wooden cabin without curtains or power. After a brief walk, I prepare coffee on a camp stove and enjoy a bath in an outdoor tub. The sound of birdsong fills the air, adding to the soothing… Read More »
Weingut Prieler 2024: A Path to Elegance Georg Prieler, a celebrated producer in Burgenland, Austria, has crafted a remarkable reputation for both Blaufränkisch and an array of exceptional whites and rosés. My admiration for the Prieler family has evolved throughout their journey, culminating in a collection that now stands among the elite of Austrian wines.… Read More »
I recently returned to New Zealand for the first time since 2019, and it’s been a wonderful experience despite battling some jet lag. My journey began in London, making stops in Dubai before finally reaching Auckland via Emirates, which provided excellent service. From Auckland, I took a short flight to Christchurch, and about 50 minutes… Read More »
2023 Burgundy tasting notes: Côte de Beaune—Puligny-Montrachet and St-Aubin Sarah Marsh MW shares her insights from the 2023 Burgundy vintage, focusing on the producers located in Puligny-Montrachet and St-Aubin. Puligny-Montrachet: Jean Chartron Tasting began with Anne-Laure Chartron, followed by Jean-Michel, who joined after resolving a tractor issue. Anne-Laure oversees the vineyards and described yields in… Read More »