Charles Spence, the noted red-trousered Professor of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University wrote one of my favourite books of late, titled The Perfect Meal. I think I had a lunch…
‘Down with wine dogma’ – a comment on the alcohol level debate
A friend alerted me to this blog post by the excellent Ray Isle, which contains an open letter by Californian winemaker Sean Thackrey on alcohol levels and wine. Thackrey is…
Dajoar Zenit Riesling from Bender
‘Dajoar’ means ‘as it used to be’, and this single-vineyard Riesling by Andreas Bender is made in a style that harks back to the traditional way Mosel wines would have…
Brands and reassurance
I’ve been thinking a bit about brands of late, and it is coffee that prompted my thoughts. I was in Washington State in June, and you just couldn’t get away…
Gamay focus, 9 – Te Mata Gamay Noir 2014 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Continuing the Gamay quest, we are off to New Zealand. There are just 7.3 hectares of Gamay Noir in New Zealand. And the producer who has led the way with…
On beauty
This morning I was driving. And, as I usually do when I am driving, I listened to Radio 4. [If I were ever to leave the UK, I think one…
Top new world fizz from Graham Beck and Josef Chromy
Super-impressed by these two sparkling wines from the ‘new world’ – specifically South Africa and Australia. They’re both available from UK retailer Marks & Spencer (I strongly suspect that the…
Nomacorc’s owners diversify, adding natural cork, glass and screwcap to their portfolio
In an interesting development, Vinventions, the parent company that purchased the leading synthetic wine closure company Nomacorc earlier this year, has acquired Rudolf Ohlinger, a screwcap and natural cork manufacturer/distributor….
Extended tasting note: Maximin Grunhaus Riesling Abtsberg Kabinett 2011
Just a few days ago I expressed my dissatisfaction with tasting notes, and their inability to capture the essence of the experience we have as we taste wine. So now…