This is a brilliant oak aged Sauvignon/Semillon from Duncan Savage at Cape Point. The blend in 2013 is 82% Sauvignon, 18% Semillon and the grapes were all hand-harvested, whole bunch…
A lovely biodynamic Crémant du Jura from Champ Divin
Had this at lunch today, at The Slanted Door in San Francisco’s Ferry Terminal. It’s a lovely restaurant with modern vietnamese cuisine the theme, and a stunning wine list full…
In the Napa Valley for the wine writers’ symposium
I’m just on my way home after a week in California’s Napa Valley for the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. It was my first time at this event, which was…
Seven older red Burgundies
JF Mugnier Chambolle Musigny 2003 Burgundy, France Ripe and sweet with bold, textured sweet cherry fruit backed up by spicy warmth. Rich and broad with nice silkiness and good structure….
Our Fathers Barossa Shiraz 2014
Our Fathers is a small production Barossa Shiraz made by Giles Cooke MW of Alliance wine. The inspiration for this wine was that Giles wanted to give something back. In…
Hold the front page: Taittinger’s Comtes 2006 is pretty good
I know this is a bit boring to report, but the Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006 is actually pretty good. Stunning really. The 2005 is currently drinking brilliantly (and…
On writing about wine
It’s generally a good rule for wine writers never to write about writing about wine. It’s something we find interesting (after all, it’s our career), but which is terribly boring…
Wine Country Causal, it’s a thing
I’m off to California today. To Napa, for the Wine Writers’ Symposium, which is held at the rather grand Meadowood resort. There’s a dress code which I haven’t come across…
Cantina Giardino Fino ‘Gaia’ 2010 Campania, Italy
I love this wine. I was rummaging around various piles of bottles trying to find something to drink, and I came across this. It was a total surprise: vital, complex,…