In early January 2025, a series of wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, significantly impacting the local wine industry. Over 10,000 homes were destroyed, and approximately 19,382 hectares of land were burned. On January 7, the Palisades Fire ignited, quickly spreading through Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu. This was followed by the Eaton Fire, which caused… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Meursault As the 2023 Burgundy vintage begins to unfold, Sarah Marsh MW presents her tasting notes from the renowned region of Meursault, detailing the experiences and insights from key producers. Château de Meursault Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, managing director, detailed a concentrated harvest with white wines showcasing intensity between 13.5% and… Read More »
Consultant Maureen Downey has cleared Taiwanese billionaire Wood Chen of allegations connecting him to counterfeit wines after inspecting a selection from his extensive collection. Downey, who has a reputation for addressing wine fraud cases, assessed 1,500 bottles from Chen’s estimated 50,000-bottle collection, which includes around 20,000 stored in Taiwan. This scrutiny arose after the former… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Volnay Sarah Marsh MW shares insights from her tasting of the 2023 Burgundy vintage, specifically focusing on the notable producers in Volnay. Domaine du Marquis d’Angerville François Duvivier reported no green-harvest was performed, and the picking commenced on September 5. They used traditional biodynamic processes, ensuring the wines maintained… Read More »
When mid-July 2022 hit, Portugal saw a staggering record high of 47ºC in Pinhāo, nestled in the Douro Valley, igniting concerns over the forthcoming wine harvest. However, contrary to expectations, the harvest revealed small, healthy berries with remarkable flavors and an unexpected freshness, turning skepticism into intrigue. After maturing for two years in cellars, prominent… Read More »
Pedro Leunda and Jon Aseginolaza, childhood friends from San Sebastián, have transitioned from friends to winemakers in the northwestern region of Navarra, Spain. Their journey began in 2016 with a modest plot of old vine Garnacha, and they now manage ten small vineyard plots encompassing nearly four hectares. Their winemaking process emphasizes natural techniques, utilizing… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Pommard In her exploration of the 2023 Burgundy vintage, Sarah Marsh MW examines the wines produced in Pommard, highlighting various producers and their harvest practices. Domaine du Comte Armand Paul Zinetti’s harvest spanned two weeks, focusing on morning picking. They concluded in Auxey-Duresses at Largillas, where grapes were ripe… Read More »
Raising substantial amounts year after year, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has set a new record with over $34 million raised during its 2025 auction. This figure is more than double that of the 2024 Hospices de Beaune auction, raising questions about how a town known for golf and sandy beaches has become a beacon… Read More »
2023 Burgundy tasting notes: Côte de Beaune—Beaune Sarah Marsh MW provides insights into the 2023 vintage from Beaune, focusing on notable producers and their offerings. Albert Bichot Albert Bichot operates six estates along with a négociant business, sourcing grapes from around 50 hectares. Although the pH levels were elevated, with the Chambolle Chabiot reaching 3.7,… Read More »
Claus Preisinger began his winemaking journey in 2002 while working as an assistant winemaker for Hans Nittnaus. He established his winery in Gols, located on the northern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee in Austria’s Burgenland region, which is uniquely equipped with amphorae, concrete tanks, and large-format oak barrels. Over the years, Claus has significantly expanded his… Read More »