Quinta do Crasto is one of the most beautiful properties in the Douro, perched on a steeply sloped promontory sticking out from the right bank of the Douro, in the…
In the Douro: Quinta do Vale D. Maria
We arrived at Vale Dona Maria late afternoon in a torrential downpour. A rather sodden Cristiano Van Zeller walked over to us and greeted us warmly. It was nice to…
Answering questions about achieving online success
I was recently asked some questions (quite good ones) by someone researching a book. It took a while to answer, so I thought I’d share the responses here. 1) Tell…
In the Douro: Vale Meão
Vale Meão is an important property in the Douro Superior. It traces its history as a Quinta back to the end of the late 19th century, when Dona Antónia Ferreira…
In the Douro: at Vallado’s Casa do Rio
I’m in the Douro. It’s 0720 and from where I’m sitting I have a view of the Douro river, looking out from my room at Quinta do Vallado’s new luxury…
Video: interviewing Adi Badenhorst about his new wines
I caught up with Adi Badenhorst at Intrepid last week. He’s got some new wines out. Two in particular really appealed to me: a flor-aged Sauvignon Blanc called John Strikes…
Domaine des Roches Neuves Clos Romans Saumur 2012
I love this wine so much. I had it with Doug Wregg at Terroirs. It’s Chenin Blanc at its best. Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Clos Romans Saumur 2012 Loire,…
Duncan Savage, Savage Wines: video interview and notes on the latest releases
Duncan Savage was until recently the winemaker at Cape Point. He made a great reputation there, coaxing profound, mineral, saline white wines with proper ageing potential from these interesting, exposed…
Sipp Mack Riesling Tradition 2009 Alsace
A real-time tasting note on this wine, which is in my glass now. It’s an older Alsace Riesling. From a very warm vintage, this is a dry-styled Riesling from Sipp-Mack….