Just written up an amazing tasting of Quinta do Noval’s Nacional and Vintage Ports back to 1962. It was a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime tasting, taking in 15 vintages of Nacional. I…
The Klima: a New Zealand innovation
On my recent trip to Kiwiland I saw an interesting innovation that looks set to save growers lots of money. It’s called the Klima (www.klima.co.nz): a mechanical gizmo that strips…
Champagne Philipponnat ‘Cuvee 1522’ 2000
This bottle is continuing my recent exploration of Champagne Philipponnat, and I’m pleased to report it is also pretty serious. It is a blend heavy in Pinot Noir with a…
Impressive new releases from Sant’ana, Portugal
Nick Oakley popped round on Thursday and brought with him some new releases from Lisbon-region producer Quinta de Sant’ana, who he represents in the UK. I visited in March (report…
Two delicious expressions of Cheverny
Cheverny is a little-known appellation in the Loire. Here are two contrasting wines. In the red corner, a wonderful natural-style wine that’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. In…
Pinot Noir, pre veraison
My garden Pinot Noir vines have yet to reach veraison, but they are looking very healthy. No signs of any disease, and just two sulfur applications so far the only…
Striking but wonderful white Rioja
These two vintages of Finca Allende’s white Rioja took me by surprise. I’ve not had all that many good experiences of white Rioja (this is largely because of winemaking choices,…
An elegant Languedoc red: Ch l’Hospitalet
This wine, from Gerard Bertrand’s Ch l’Hospitalet, is really impressive. Quite elegant, which is an achievement for a warm region like the Languedoc. Château l’Hospitalet La Reserve 2007 La Clape,…
Reminded of my shady past – acoustic rock with a celtic spirit
Just been walking the dog on Hounslow heath, when I bumped into Vanessa, who I used to be in a band with at college. We were called ‘Tintagel’, and Trevor,…