Australian Chardonnay has evolved significantly over the years. From the heavily oaked versions of the 1990s to the excessively lean models of the mid-2000s, its style has now settled into a balance of subtle intensity and lush fruitiness, with clear distinctions emerging from different regions. Although comparisons to Burgundy’s finest have often been promoted by… Read More »
France’s wine harvest is expected to decrease by up to 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year, as excessive rainfall during the flowering period adversely affected the fruit set, and a rainy early summer led to widespread outbreaks of downy mildew in vineyards from Bordeaux to Alsace, according to the French agriculture ministry’s Agreste… Read More »
Website: https://stratuswines.com/ Stratus is a significant winery in Niagara, experiencing a period of growth and improvement recently, enhancing their wines in the process. I had the opportunity to meet with winemaker Dean Stoyka, who is making impressive strides both in the vineyard and the winery. Our tour of the vineyard revealed how well-maintained it was.… Read More »
Website: https://raimes.co.uk/ Raimes Blanc de Blancs 2018 Hampshire, England12% alcohol. 100% Chardonnay from the South Downs, produced by Hattingley. Matured 46 months on lees, disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of 5g/l. Offers sweetly aromatic scents with hints of honey and toast coupled with bright tones of pear and peach. The palate presents a… Read More »
A unique Hungarian grape variety is experiencing a revival, albeit small yet delightful. By Sarah Marsh MW Sarah Marsh MW explores the efforts of growers and researchers who are revitalizing the Kéknyelű grape from the brink of disappearance in the Hungarian PDO of Badacsony on Lake Balaton, leading to the production of intriguing, age-worthy white… Read More »
Website: https://www.rameywine.com/ Ramey stands out as a premier winery in Sonoma, with David Ramey earning a reputation for his Chardonnay craftsmanship. Yet, Ramey offers more varieties beyond just Chardonnay. The winery initially had no vineyards of its own from its foundation in 1996 until 2012, instead leasing vine space and purchasing grapes. In 2012, they… Read More »
My friend Michael Broadbent, a trailblazer in wine auctions, often filled his Decanter magazine column, which he wrote for over four decades, with stories of his dining adventures and the wines they enjoyed. While I’m not sure if tales of the Johnson family’s wine choices would captivate you similarly, there are times when I must… Read More »
The Tapanappa wine grower on the past, present, and future of Australian fine wine. By David Williams In the latest of our series of extended interviews with leading wine growers marking 20 years of The World of Fine Wine, Brian Croser of Tapanappa in South Australia reflects on viticulture, climate, and the rise of Australian… Read More »
‘The first pick of 2024 for us at Chandon came from our home vineyard in Yountville, which is our warmest estate vineyard and we believe Napa’s northern limit for growing exceptional sparkling wine grapes,’ said winemaker Pauline Lhote. ‘We picked about 57 tons (52 metric tonnes) of Chardonnay on Wednesday from two different blocks in… Read More »
Yuki Bar instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yukibar.london/?hl=en Tucked away in a surprising location in London Fields is one of London’s newest and most interesting natural wine bars. Yuki Bar is named after its owner, Yukiyasu Kaneko, who has experience working in natural wine hot spots Noma and P Franco. It’s a beautiful space, with around 20 covers. Food… Read More »