First trip of 2020 sees me in France, on tour. It’s the Lallemand tour, which I last did in 2009. This time it’s on wine faults, and we are taking…
Some interesting bottles: Pico, Filippi, Field Recording, Haut-Bergey, Droin, Goodfellow
Some interesting bottles recently tried: Goodfellow Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Ribbon Ridge, Oregon Planted in 1990, sedimentary soils, 20 months in French oak. Midweight in body with sappy,…
Chablis (1) an overview
I’m in Chablis, and it’s very exciting, because this is my first time here. I know: I should have been here before, but even though it’s slightly embarrassing, it’s a…
The wines of François Lurton
It was great to meet and taste with François Lurton. His father, Andre Lurton, is a very important figure in Bordeaux. Lurton senior, who owns Château Bonnet, was active in…
In Reims
I’m spending a few days in Reims, in order to do some Champagne visits. It’s a lovely city to spend time in, and there are plenty of good options for…
Matassa, revisiting the debut vintage
I found a bottle of Matassa’s first release kicking around. I bought a six-pack from Sam Harrop when it was first released (£15 a bottle then) and tucked it away….
Four affordable, lighter reds for summer smashing
Back to the UK and I’m working through some samples on a balmy summer evening. I’m really into lighter red wines at the moment and these four fit the bill…
Visiting Yvon Métras, Beaujolais star
Getting a visit with Yvon Métras was quite a big deal. He doesn’t normally see UK press, and regularly turns down requests for visits. One of the gang of five…
A vertical of Château Pichon Baron, 2001-2014
Second-growth Château Pichon Baron is one of the great vineyard terroirs in Bordeaux. Located in Pauillac, just opposite Latour, it boasts three of the five Médoc first growths as near…