Another good day at the Challenge. After two big days (of 160 and 140 wines), our panel today worked at a slightly slower pace, taking more time to decide over…
Sad news about David Booth
Very sad to learn today about the death of David Booth. A British expat, he turned to wine after a successful army career, and became a well known viticultural consultant…
Day 3 of the IWC
Very tired tonight. Another big day at the International Wine Challenge, with plenty of wines passing our table (number 9, again), and a good number going through to next week,…
World Malbec Day, an English salute
Day 2 of the International Wine Challenge, and it was a big one. The team I was working with tasted 160 wines today. A lot by any standard, and by…
Day 1, International Wine Challenge 2012
The first day of this year’s International Wine Challenge was a huge success. It’s the biggest yet, in terms of entries, and this was the first day at a new…
Northern Rhone series 20, the 2010s from Pierre Gaillard
I was fortunate enough to be sent some cask samples of the 2010s from Pierre Gaillard. He makes wine in a modern style, but avoids spoofiness and over-ripeness. In a…
The beginning of the end of Bordeaux primeurs?
Are we about to see the beginning of the end of the annual Bordeaux en primeur campaign? For as long as I have been following wine, a key point in…
How to manage a Champagne brand, some thoughts
I’ve been thinking a bit about wine branding recently, and specifically about Champagne brands. The large Champagne houses are skilled brand managers. It has taken a lot of hard work…
In the Douro, at Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha in the Pinhao Valley
A short film from a visit to Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha, in the heart of the beautiful Pinhao Valley. I am with Paul Symington and viticulturist Miles Edlmann.