I’ve just written an article on ‘Developing Appellations’, which discusses some of the controversies and pitfalls surrounding the creation of geographic indications (GIs) in emerging wine regions. Here are a…
Masi Toar 2011 Valpolicella
This high-end Valpolicella, which until recently was labelled as IGT Veronese, contains the well known Veneto varieties of Corvina and Rondinella together with rare, Masi-rediscovered variety Oseleta. Toar refers to the…
Gamay focus 1, RPM, a serious Gamay from California
Gamay is happening. Officially. Here’s a really interesting one from California. RPM is a collaboration between Nathan Roberts and Duncan Arnot Meyers of Arnot-Roberts, and Raj Parr of Sandhi Wines/Domaine de…
Video: planting an Arinto vineyard in Vinho Verde, Portugal
A brief film showing an Arinto vineyard being planted in Vinho Verde, Portugal. It’s from Casal de Ventozela, which is one of the properties I visited in April when I…
How to have a cool, happening palate. Advice from a master!
Scared of being labelled as an old-timer has-been with yesterday’s palate? Want to stay relevant in the modern world of wine? Want to be able to hang with the cool…
The beginning of a new era: the 2013s from Reichstrat von Buhl
I was really impressed by these 2013s from one of the leading Pflaz wineries, Reichstrat von Buhl. This large, important winery has recently made a fresh new start, and this…
More great rosé, this time a pair from Château d’Esclans
Following on from my glowing review of the Gassier 946 rosé, here are a couple more Provence examples worthy of serious attention. They are from super-ambitious Château d’Esclans, who make…
The question people always want to ask: how do you make a living?
I realize that I am fortunate to be doing the job I do. It’s hugely interesting and fun. But there’s one question that people I meet always want to ask…
Equipo Navazos Fino En Rama
Regular readers will know that I have been quite a fan of Fino En Rama, ever since Gonzalez Byass reintroduced the concept a few years ago. Here’s the en rama 2015…