In August 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Abe Schoener as he embarked on his venture with the Los Angeles River Wine Company. At that time, he was working from a large facility during harvest season, which was quieter than anticipated due to a lack of grape deliveries. Fast forward to February 2025, and… Read More »

Bordeaux 2024: Recommendations from St-Estèphe and St-Julien In the 2024 growing season, Bordeaux faced varying climatic conditions, particularly in St-Estèphe, where a significant reduction in rainfall resulted in inconsistent wine quality. The unique soil compositions—with varied gravel deposits and a higher clay content—have contributed to this variability. A total of 30 wines from St-Estèphe were… Read More »

Château Angélus announced the release of its 2024 vintage during the Bordeaux en primeur campaign on April 30, 2025. The wine will be priced at €180 per bottle when purchased through negociants, translating to about £2,148 for a 12-bottle case in bond (IB) in the UK, with some merchants offering it at £1,074 per six-bottle… Read More »

At the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) New York, an impressive lineup of New World wineries is showcasing how they are reshaping the landscape of fine wine. These six producers are not just crafting outstanding wines but are also challenging traditional norms and establishing new benchmarks for excellence. Notable Producers and Their Wines Rutini –… Read More »

In 2024, the Bordeaux region’s northern Médoc areas, including Pauillac, experienced a more favorable growing season with less rainfall in September compared to southern areas like Pessac-Léognan and Margaux. This lesser precipitation may account for the better consistency and balance found in Pauillac wines during this wet vintage. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix, these… Read More »

Terrasses du Larzac is a notable AOC located in the Languedoc region of France, having been established in 2014. Comprising around 100 growers, this appellation has gained a strong reputation, especially for its red wines, with approximately 75% of the vineyards being farmed organically. The unique terroir features limestone bedrock and alluvial terraces, benefiting from… Read More »

Château Branaire-Ducru’s pricing strategy in the Bordeaux 2024 en primeur campaign has garnered positive attention, setting a strong precedent as anticipation builds for the week’s forthcoming notable releases, including Château Lafite Rothschild and Angélus. Renowned for its quality, Branaire-Ducru has been favorably received by UK merchants, who are selling the wine at approximately £159 per… Read More »

More than 50 renowned restaurants and wine bars across eight countries will participate in this year’s Coravin World Wine Tour, scheduled for May. This exciting event showcases the pioneering technology created by Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht, allowing fine wines to be served by the glass while keeping the remaining wine safely stored. Following a successful… Read More »

Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2017 is an exceptional English sparkling wine with an alcohol content of 12%. Detailed information can be found on the bottle’s label, which indicates a bottling date of March 21, 2018, a riddling date of September 19, 2024, and a disgorging date of November 26, 2024. The wine has a dosage… Read More »

Familia Zuccardi produces a diverse range of wines that cater to both high-end and more budget-conscious consumers. Here’s an overview of some of their offerings that are available in the UK mainstream market. Tesco Finest Chenin Blanc Torrontés 2024, Mendoza, ArgentinaAlcohol: 12.5%. This wine presents a rich, grapey aroma typical of Torrontés, accompanied by attractive… Read More »