Crystal Springs of Napa Valley has been officially designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA), a significant label that specifies the regional origin of wines produced in the United States. The initiative to create the Crystal Springs appellation was led by Steven Burgess, the previous owner of Burgess Cellars, who has had a complicated history… Read More »
Vintage Port represents the highest achievement of the Douro region. Crafted from the finest vineyards during exceptional years, this wine undergoes two years of aging in casks before being bottled, destined to mature quietly for an extended period until it reaches its peak. While young Vintage Ports can be appreciated for their vibrant fruitiness and… Read More »
Simon Field MW, Anthony Rose, and David Williams express their admiration for the variety presented during a tasting of some of the finest Cabernet Francs globally. By David Williams Cabernet Franc has gained popularity among both growers and enthusiasts due to its ability to maintain freshness in a warming planet, showcasing its potential for significant… Read More »
Ghosts of Napa Valley is a documentary film created by Jason Wise, the acclaimed director known for the award-winning Somm series. The film offers a whimsical yet eerie exploration of haunted stories in the Napa Valley region. It features three companions – sommelier Claire Coppi, wine writer Shakera Jones, and winemaker Meghan Zobeck – as… Read More »
Caves Jean Bourdy is a historic estate located in the Jura region, with roots extending back to 1579. It has been managed using biodynamic practices since 2006 and encompasses 10 hectares of vineyards. In 2022, Laura Bourdy, representing the 16th generation, took over management, leading to a rebranding of the estate as Domaine Laura Bourdy.… Read More »
Beyond the well-known landscape of exquisite wines, an unexpected opportunity is surfacing in an unlikely location. By Chris Howard With the launch of its initial wines—the first ever produced in the Himalayan region—the Bhutan Wine Company is emblematic of a groundbreaking initiative. Chris Howard explores the origins of this exceptional endeavor and its implications for… Read More »
Website: https://houseofarras.com.au/ The dialogue surrounding sparkling wines has long been overshadowed by Champagne, but that narrative is beginning to shift. Emerging regions and diverse styles are now garnering serious attention. At the forefront of Australian sparkling wine is Ed Carr, who previously led Constellation’s, now Accolade’s, sparkling wine program which included Arras, located in Tasmania.… Read More »
Those who appreciate Japanese whisky are likely familiar with Nikka, a distinguished and historically significant distillery in Japan. Established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, whose inspiration came from Scotch whisky, Nikka has devoted 90 years to honing its expertise. At the upcoming Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) in Singapore, Diego Araud, the director of La… Read More »
Website: https://www.champagnecollardpicard.fr/ Champagne Collard-Picard Perpetuelle 12 Années NV FranceThis exceptional wine offers a delightful tasting experience while showcasing impressive technical skill. The composition includes 50% Chardonnay sourced from the Côte des Blancs and Vitryat regions, specifically Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, along with 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley,… Read More »
The quality of the house’s latest Vintage release reflects the expertise of its thoughtful and versatile winemaking team. By Simon Field MW Odilon de Varine is a profound thinker; his methodology at Gosset occasionally leans towards the unconventional, yet at times aligns with mainstream practices, resulting in an inspiring collection of wines. The foundations of… Read More »