Today I gave a talk on social media and the wine industry at a conference in Logrono (Rioja) organized by DIAM, the closure company. Also speaking was José Penin, author…
Dinner at Jorg’s
A merry crowd gathered in the garden of Jörg Pfützner’s home, for an evening of wine and food, including Bruwer Raats, David Clarke, Harry Haddon, Roland Peens, Greg Sherwood, Justin…
Rhone 2011, a pretty good vintage
It has been a busy day. I was leading a team at the Sommelier Wine Awards in Vauxhall until 3.20 pm, and then I hot footed it along the…
A great day of rugby and Rhone wines
Continuing a rather sporty weekend, on Saturday I was a guest of InterRhone at the Twickenham double header. Two games of premiership rugby and a feed, with good company and…
Syrah and Serine
I have just written up the wines of Eric Texier, who is doing some really interesting work in the northern Rhone. For me, his two best wines are both made…
Northern Rhone series 26, Jean-Luc Colombo Les Fees Brunes Crozes 2009
Cornas-based winegrower and negociant Jean-Luc Colombo divides opinion. To some, he’s too modern – and I have had mixed experiences with his wines, finding some a little oak influenced, and…
Northern Rhone series 25, Pierre Gaillard St Joseph 2010
2010 is an incredible vintage in the Northern Rhone, and this is a lovely, balanced wine that displays the best of cool climate Syrah. I love this sort of wine….
Northern Rhone series 24, Jeanne Gaillard Syrah
Jeanne Gaillard is the daughter of Pierre, well known grower in the Northern Rhone. At the age of 24 she landed 13 hectares of vineyards, five in Crozes Hermitage and…
Northern Rhone series 23, cracking Cornas from Guillaume Gilles
Oh yes, I like this a lot. When Cornas is good, it can be great. This is a great example, from a young vigneron called Guillaume Gilles, and I believe…