Website: Stolpman Vineyards Back in the 1970s, Tom Stolpman, who was then in his late teens, was running a valet car parking service in the Hollywood Hills to help him…
Kutch-Dury: the inaugural Chardonnay from Jamie Kutch is a stunner
I’m quite a fan of the wines of Jamie Kutch. This is the first release of his Chardonnay and he has completely nailed it. It will be hard to find,…
Some treats at 67 Pall Mall: Pignan, Montebello, Villard, Vazart Coquart
Had a lovely evening last night with a small group at 67 Pall Mall, the wine-friendly club that opened last year. It was my first time at 67 Pall Mall,…
California, day 5, in Napa
The final full day of our California trip was a little less frantic than the rest of the itinerary, with just one lunch visit and one dinner visit. This left…
In California, day 4 – Napa Valley with Peter Michael, Corison, Trinchero, Silverado and Chimney Rock
Day four of the California trip. By now, the group was certainly performing, and this was to be one of our strongest days in terms of banter and general foolery….
In California day 3, Sonoma with Iron Horse, Wind Gap and Arnot Roberts
Day 3, Sonoma County. This is one of the most important and diverse of California’s wine regions. We headed over to David Ramey’s cellar in Healdsburg for a regional overview…
In California, day 2 – Paso Robles, and an amazing visit at Tablas Creek
Day 2. On the bus nice and early, and a drive up the coast to Paso Robles, a large wine region that’s half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco,…
California, day 1, in Santa Barbara County
I’m in California again. This time for a press trip, with some fellow UK journos: Oz Clarke, Anne Krebhiel, Jane Parkinson and Erin Smith. We arrived on Tuesday evening, and…
Wine Country Causal, it’s a thing
I’m off to California today. To Napa, for the Wine Writers’ Symposium, which is held at the rather grand Meadowood resort. There’s a dress code which I haven’t come across…