In a recent reflection, wine expert Matt Walls dives into the evolution of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s wine-making styles, using Domaine de la Mordorée as a key example. Historically, the late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by a “modern” approach characterized by excessive ripeness and the heavy use of new oak barrels. However, such extremes have fallen… Read More »
Makarounas Vineyards was founded by Theodoros Makarounas in 2016, building on his family’s long history of grape growing. Located in the Letymbou village of Pafos, Cyprus—which is the island’s largest wine region—Makarounas Vineyards is unique in that it operates exclusively on an estate model. This means they produce wine only from their own vineyards, contributing… Read More »
Sarah Marsh MW’s recent tasting notes summarize the characteristics of wines from Beaujolais based on the 2023 Burgundy en primeur tastings. Moulin-à-Vent Marsh highlights Château des Jacques‘s Moulin-à-Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin, with coffee notes and robust tannins, showcasing tart red-plum fruit. The wine is described as hearty, with a future drinking window extending from… Read More »
On January 20, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stirred concerns among US winemakers by announcing a plan to remove all US wine, beer, and spirits from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) as a response to President Trump’s tariff threats. However, a sudden agreement between Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau on a 30-day pause on… Read More »
Mâconnais: 2023 Vintage Insights and Producers’ Perspectives In the pursuit of understanding Burgundy’s 2023 vintage, the journey led to Mâconnais, specifically Pouilly-Fuissé, where wines exhibit a mixed character yet show promise. The review concentrated on the "premiers crus," which have generally been found to be well-balanced and not overly concentrated. The results showed that 2023… Read More »
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has introduced its 2022 vintage wines, showcasing an impressive collection at a recent tasting event in London, attended by UK trade and press. The co-directors, Perrine Fenal and Bertrand de Villaine, were present to unveil wines that exemplify ripeness and balance, each distinctly reflecting its terroir. Following the disappointingly low yields… Read More »
Day 3 in New Zealand marked my final day in Waipara/North Canterbury, and it proved to be quite remarkable. I began my morning with a scenic walk through the hills behind the vineyards, traversing Mountford Estate—whose wines I have long admired but hadn’t encountered in a while—before arriving at Muddy Water. The trail was delightful,… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte Chalonnaise Sarah Marsh MW presents her insights on the 2023 Burgundy vintage, focusing on the diverse producers in the Côte Chalonnaise. Côte Chalonnaise—Rully Domaine Belleville Rully Premier Cru La Pucelle: This wine impresses with its creamy texture and ripe apricot notes, showcasing a clear oak influence. Maturity expected between 2025… Read More »
February is often seen as a quieter month in the wine industry, especially following the bustling activity of January’s new vintage reviews. However, this February, dubbed ‘Fine Wine February’, promises an exciting lineup of articles and insights. Recent Highlights In the first week, several noteworthy articles have been published. Notably, Italy Editor James Button explored… Read More »
The day begins as the early light dissolves the darkness, revealing the surroundings from my bed in an off-grid wooden cabin without curtains or power. After a brief walk, I prepare coffee on a camp stove and enjoy a bath in an outdoor tub. The sound of birdsong fills the air, adding to the soothing… Read More »