Kleine Zalze Heritage Vineyards Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 – A Remarkable Find I’ve come across an impressive wine: the Kleine Zalze Heritage Vineyards Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023, which hails from South Africa. This wine is sourced from Chenin vineyards that are over 35 years old, a part of the Old Vine Project, and… Read More »
In the Southern Rhône region, Tavel has distinguished itself as a unique appellation dedicated entirely to rosé. While it may appear as a quaint village of 1,700 residents just north of Avignon, Tavel’s winemaking history stretches back to Roman times, claiming connections to notable figures such as Pope Innocent VI, who reportedly requested lighter wines… Read More »
The Mayacamas Chardonnay 2023 from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California has been highlighted for its exceptional quality. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine presents a fine, restrained nose showcasing focused notes of pear and citrus, accompanied by a hint of exotic pineapple. On the palate, it offers a direct and fresh profile, characterized… Read More »
The latest preliminary data released by the International Organisation for Vine & Wine (OIV) reveals that while global wine consumption has decreased, the United States remains the top consumer by volume. However, when it comes to per capita consumption, Portugal leads significantly. Top 10 Countries by Total Wine Consumption (in hectolitres, mhl) United States: 33.3mhl… Read More »
Julien Desplans, the winemaker at Maison Verget, along with Sophie Guffens, showcased the 2023 releases from the esteemed négociant arm of Jean-Marie Guffens’ Guffens-Heynen domaine, which is located in Sologny, Mâconnais. Maison Verget has shifted its focus to exclusively using fruit from Mâconnais due to difficulties sourcing desired grapes from higher-profile regions. All their wines… Read More »
Just over a decade into the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA), this year showcased a dynamic range of wines, marking its evolution into a notable event for the region. The 11th edition was held on May 1-2, bringing together around 300 participants, including vintners, trade professionals, media, and for the first time, select customers. The… Read More »
While the new manifesto from the Slow Wine Coalition has its merits, it also has a critical flaw according to Nick Ryan. The Slow Wine Coalition, an offshoot of the broader Slow Food Movement, recently introduced a Slow Food Manifesto for Good, Clean and Fair Wine. Although it contains sensible suggestions, its first major stipulation… Read More »
I’m currently in western Colombia, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm-hearted locals. However, the supermarket selection is disappointing, primarily offering basic Rioja or overpriced Chilean and Argentinian wines. This contrasts sharply with the remarkable selections we feature in our latest articles, especially our comprehensive guide to Rioja included in this month’s issue. This edition marks… Read More »
Château Cheval Blanc, a prominent winery in St-Emilion, has announced the release of its 2024 vintage at a price significantly lower than previous years. Released on May 6, 2025, the Cheval Blanc 2024 is priced at €276 per bottle, marking the lowest en primeur price since the 2008 vintage. UK merchants have offered it at… Read More »
Sashi Moorman visited to discuss the wines from Domaine de la Côte, a Pinot Noir-focused winery in California that has garnered considerable interest. Notably, he highlighted a vertical tasting of their Bloom’s Field wine, spanning vintages from 2013 to 2021. Moorman, alongside partner Raj Parr, leads the winery, which is nestled in an industrial area… Read More »