Bibi Gratetz is an arts graduate (he does his own label art) with Norweigan/Israeli parentage. His family owned Castello di Vincigliata in Tuscany, in Fiesole, just north of Florence, and…
Older New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: can it age? Should we cellar it?
While I was in New Zealand I got to try quite a few older New Zealand Sauvignons. Of course, most punters want the latest vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and…
Tolpuddle Vineyard 2014 Pinot and 2013 Chardonnay
I wrote up the first releases of these wines – the 2012s – just over two years ago. Now it’s time to look at some more recent releases. Seriously impressive…
Freelance life: being afraid of success?
This is an interesting thought. [It came to me all of a sudden, and I haven’t been drinking.] As a freelancer – I’ve been completely freelance for almost exactly 8…
The Ruinart Lighthouse: a tasting of Champagne and Chardonnay with Frédéric Panaïotis
Yesterday I visited the Ruinart Lighthouse, which is an exhibition and tasting being held at the Violin Factory near London’s South Bank. The focus of the three-storey exhibition space is…
Do biodynamic wines have ‘energy’? Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2014
Do biodynamic wines have an energy to them? This idea will probably really, really annoy some readers – especially the scientific ones – because in order to answer this question,…
Framing and wine tasting: how words can get in the way of experience
Framing is a social science term which refers to a set of concepts and perspectives that then form the background that influences how we think on certain issues. In this…
In New Zealand: Oz Clarke’s remarkable paean to Sauvignon Blanc
So, the Sauvignon Blanc conference. Two and a half days focusing on this grape, which New Zealand has made its own. Talks and tastings; dinners and parties. And welcoming Blenheim…
In NZ, day 5, Marlborough – Huia, Astrolabe and Matua
The drive from the Waipara to Blenheim is an attractive one. Alas we faced grey skies and a bit of drizzle, but it was still very interesting. There’s something special…