There isn’t a lot of Syrah in New Zealand. But it’s a grape that does very well here, when it is grown. I’ve had great examples from Waiheke Island, Martinborough,…
Burgundy 2011 – some impressions
This week is Burgundy en primeurs, in London. Unlike the Bordelais, the Burgundians wait a bit longer before showing cask samples (15 months after vintage, versus 6), and travel to…
Lunch at 28-50 – a dream restaurant for a wine lover
Had lunch with wine trade buddy Daniel Primack (of www.aroundwine.co.uk) at the brilliant 28-50 in Marylebone today (www.2850.co.uk/marylebone). I’ve visited the other 28-50 in Fetter Lane a couple of times, and…
A brilliant Tuscan Cabernet Franc
Regular readers will know that I’m not really a super-Tuscan kind of guy. But here’s one that enticed, despite its ripeness and richness. It’s a varietal Cabernet Franc, and it’s…
Riesling focus, 1: Neudorf Brightwater Riesling 2007 Nelson, New Zealand
It’s the grape variety that wine trade peeps and wine geeks love, but which is (apparently) impossible to sell. So it’s just my sort of thing. I’m going to focus on…
A year in the life of a wine writer (in pictures)
2012 was quite a year. I’ve chosen some pictures to illustrate some of the key points of the last 12 months. This is what a wine writer’s life looks like…
Two great wines with dinner: Zidarich Malvasia and Jamsheed Garden Gully Syrah
Had Ryan Mostert and Samantha Suddons over for dinner on Thursday night. They are a young couple working at one of South Africa’s most exciting wineries, Reyneke, and so we…
Video: the vineyards of Alsace
I have just written up the first part of my June trip to Alsace, which you can find here. There’s also a short film, giving a glimpse of this beautiful…
Some predictions for the wine world in 2013
A startlingly unoriginal post. I’m afraid. Begin the new year with some predictions. The problem is that I’m rubbish at predicting the future. And most of these lists tend to reflect…