Opened this pair. One from South Africa and one from New Zealand. Both biodynamic. Both pretty compelling, and perhaps not what you’d immediately expect from Sauvignon Blanc. This is a…
In Beaujolais: Chaize, Lapierre and Lapalu
Day one in Beaujolais began at Château de la Chaize in Brouilly, the largest and most diverse of the crus. It’s a proper Château, too. Grand and ornate with beautiful…
In Champagne, day 2: Bruno Paillard, Selosse and Gosset
Day two in Champagne began at Bruno Paillard, someone who I have featured on this site before (here and here). Bruno began with an interesting statement: ‘The true richness of…
Judging at the International Wine Challenge, day 1
Yesterday was the first day’s judging at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Taking place at the Oval Cricket Ground, which has been an excellent home to the challenge for the…
In Cape Town, the first evening: Meerlust, Villiera, Mossop and Nuy
I’m in Cape Town. I’ve come to judge the Top 100 South African wines competition, which is now in its sixth year. This year, for the first time, we’re not…
In the Tejo region of Portugal
I’ve spent the day in the Tejo region of Portugal. I left my hotel at 0745 and arrived back past 11 pm. During that time I visited six producers, had…
Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay 2012
Neudorf are one of New Zealand’s most famous wineries. They’re based in the Nelson region, where the first vines of the modern era were planted on South Island, and of…
Bordeaux: some reflections
I’ve just spent a very enjoyable couple of days in Bordeaux. The first was a free afternoon (I walked and walked), followed by dinner; the second a big tasting of…
In California, day 4 – Napa Valley with Peter Michael, Corison, Trinchero, Silverado and Chimney Rock
Day four of the California trip. By now, the group was certainly performing, and this was to be one of our strongest days in terms of banter and general foolery….