This is one of several wines I was recently sent by Lot18, which is a new (to the UK; it has been going for a couple of years in the…
Spotted in the Douro: wild vines
Now this is terribly geeky: I know. But when I visited Quinta dos Malvedos last September I was delighted to see a wild vine growing in a tree. This is…
Bordeaux: scoring and pricing
It’s primeurs at the moment. A time in the year when the wine world’s attention is focused on Bordeaux. After all, it’s the world’s most important fine wine region, even…
Two brilliant 2010 Chateauneuf du Papes from Caillou
I really enjoyed these two brilliant examples of Chateaneuf du Pape from Le Clos du Caillou, a domaine with just 9 hectares in the appellation, as well as 44 hectares…
Video: Lammershoek’s beautiful vineyards
A short film of Lammershoek’s vineyards, which I find rather beautiful. They’re just typical of the Swartland, with most of them dry-grown bush vines.
Only in the Swartland: Hárslevelű and an underwater wine
I have just written up my visit to Swartland producer Lammershoek, which you can read here. It was unusual for two reasons. First of all, they’re making a new series…
I hate half-price wines and would like to see the back of them
I hate half-price wines. Of course, there’s nothing new about discounting being used to sell wine. Many wine brands are priced with a view to being promoted. The wine might…
A lovely, inexpensive Chilean Riesling
This is a nicely poised, brilliantly drinkable and well balanced Riesling from Cono Sur. Can’t think of a better one for the money (£6.45 from Tesco.com, although currently listed as…
Video: making wine and visiting vineyards at Kanonkop
Really enjoyed visiting Kanonokop last week. I shot a film of the very traditional winemaking that takes place here, as well as looking at the old Pinotage vineyards.