Australian wines dominated the London Wine Fair’s third annual Icon Tasting, claiming the top two spots in a blind judging of 27 premium Chardonnays. The highest honor went to Tolpuddle Vineyard’s 2023 Chardonnay from Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, followed closely by Vasse Felix’s 2020 Heytesbury Chardonnay from Margaret River, Western Australia. Additionally, Shaw & Smith’s… Read More »
The en primeur campaign for Bordeaux 2025 began with some notable releases, albeit a bit disjointed due to recent bank holidays that interrupted the flow. Major châteaux like Lafleur, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château Pontet-Canet have made headlines with their offerings, alongside Château Lafite Rothschild and its portfolio including Château Angélus and Château Palmer. Among… Read More »
In 1994, Dave Powell embarked on a journey to establish a winery that would become significant in the Barossa Valley. His entry into the wine business was unplanned; after studying economics, he gained experience through various vintages, culminating in a vintage at Yalumba in 1981. Following further travels and work, Powell returned to the Barossa… Read More »
A coalition of notable wine producers from Burgenland, Austria, known as Pannobile, recently held a meeting at Claus Preisinger’s winery in Gols. The gathering attracted a diverse group of international wine enthusiasts eager to learn more about the region and its offerings. This Pannobile group features a collection of esteemed wineries, including Judith Beck, Rennasistas,… Read More »
The 2017 vintage of Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires has just been released, marking the ninth edition of this prestigious cuvée, following vintages from 1983 through 2014. This release is distinctive as it incorporates fruit from Chouilly, a departure from the usual blend sourced predominantly from five other villages: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil, and… Read More »
In his latest column, Hugh Johnson reflects on the vibrant and growing English wine industry. With a focus on supporting local production, he has dedicated considerable effort to sampling English wines, primarily sparkling varieties, which he deems the country’s most successful venture so far. Johnson expresses hope that England will soon produce wines akin to… Read More »
Matthias Müller is a family-run winery located in the Mittelrhein region of Germany, recognized for its beautiful landscape along the Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz, which has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2002. Their estate spans 20 hectares in the Bopparder Hamm area, characterized by steep, south-facing slate soils. The winery features prominent single… Read More »
Odile Rose Bouchard, the winegrower behind Gamine Rose, has a remarkable story rooted in the unique terroirs of Portugal. Her family owns Quinta do Tedo, a quaint Port estate located in the picturesque Douro Valley. In 2021, Odile ventured into winemaking on her own, experimenting with grapes from both her family estate and the adjacent… Read More »
Shoalhaven Coast is not just a beautiful destination in New South Wales; it’s also a burgeoning wine region steeped in unique charm. Known for its picturesque beaches and breathtaking natural reserves, this area has become a favorite among wine enthusiasts looking for both relaxation and adventure. To explore this remarkable region, you start with the… Read More »
Abbaye de St-Vivant A new poem by Judy O’Kane. My hand must have slippedand the images showed the earth spinning,the electric light a full moon. I got to my kneesto get the ground into the frameas the winemakers prepared to sing for the last time. I mighthave been paying homageto the Cistercians, to the terroir,… Read More »