My recent post on whether or not wine critics can judge wines without their personal style preferences coming into play got quite a bit of reaction, both in the comments…
Video: at the Real Wine Fair
So on Monday, after judging at the International Wine Challenge, I managed to hot foot it over to Wapping (via the wonderful Overground, which makes East-West travel in London so…
Wine and emotions
Yesterday I watched a film. It wasn’t a very good film, but it made me cry. As a bloke, this is hugely embarrassing. But there was something about the film…
At the Real Wine Fair
Today was a glorious day. Not only was it one of those rare English spring days with a vivid blue sky and freshness in the air, but also it was…
Beeslaar Pinotage 2012, a fabulous debut
Abrie Beeslar (above) is the winemaker at Kanonkop, and he’s doing a bit of homebrew. This, his debut vintage, is one of the most profound interpretations of the often tricky…
Judging the International Wine Challenge
So we are four days into judging the International Wine Challenge. Now, as a panel chair, contracted for all 10 days of judging, I am biased, but I think it’s…
Should critics allow personal style preferences to influence their work?
Should wine critics allow personal stylistic preferences affect their judgments on wine? I recently had a discussion on twitter with a respected US wine critic from a major publication, who…
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV, comparing 2012 disgorgement with 2005
This was an interesting excercise. The same NV Champagne – the excellent Charles Heidsieck – from disgorgements seven years apart. The older bottled had been professionally cellared in the interim….
Lindes de Remelluri 2010 – a lovely new-wave Rioja
I was really impressed by this new-wave Rioja from Remelluri. 2010 was the first vintage with Telmo Rodriguez back at the helm of the family winery, and this is a…