This is the first release from a new English sparkling wine producer, Black Dog Hill. This is a vineyard based in Ditchling, East Sussex, at the foot of the South…
Wine media and the internet: are we drowning in a sea of mediocrity?
Recently, I discussed the way that the internet has changed the landscape of wine writing. I considered the impact on wine writers of an enormous increase in the volume of…
Lunch at Rochelle Canteen with a rare, brilliant Baga from Luis Pato
So, today. Lunch at Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch. My first time. This is a remarkable restaurant housed in an old bike shed, and it’s only open weekday breakfast and lunchtimes….
On change, and the end of the Swartland Revolution
So the Swartland Revolution is no more. After six events, this remarkable wine festival has called it a day. It seems sad, but it’s a wise and brave decision. Everything…
Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2014 Barossa, Australia
This wine is made by Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan of Alliance Wine, in conjunction with Aussie winemaker Peter Leske. It’s a single vineyard, old vine Grenache from the Barossa,…
The remarkable Cortez 2014 from Testalonga
I’ve admired Craig Hawkins’ Testalonga wines for a while now. They are just so brave. And delicious. [See here, here and here for reviews.] This is his Chenin that’s made without…
A really nice Loire Pinot: Eric Louis Sancerre Rouge 2013
I’ve never really been all that interested in Sancerre Rouge before. But when you look at the terroirs, and then consider that it wasn’t all that long ago that this…
Why Social Wine & Tapas is one of my favourite places to eat
On the spur of the moment stopped in for a late Friday lunch at Social Wine & Tapas. This is such a good place to eat. The food is superb:…
Gamay 15, Domaine de Fa Beaujolais en Besset 2014 – from Graillot
A couple of years ago, northern Rhone producer Graillot bought a couple of parcels of vines in Saint Amour, Beaujolais. They made their first wines in 2014, including this wine….