I’m here in Hungary, judging the Pannon Wine Challenge 2012. There’s a nice group of judges this year. Three panels, each led by Hungarians, with two international judges on each….
Some thoughts on Wine Stars, a new competition
Some of you may already have heard of Wine Stars, a new competition that will be launched at the London International Wine Fair later this month. Anything that helps worthy…
Grenache Blanc is underrated – two good Spanish examples
I have limited experience of Grenache Blanc, I admit. But most of that experience has been good. Here are a couple of Spanish examples that continue that theme. They’re both…
Day 4 at the International Wine Challenge
Another good day at the Challenge. After two big days (of 160 and 140 wines), our panel today worked at a slightly slower pace, taking more time to decide over…
Northern Rhone series 20, the 2010s from Pierre Gaillard
I was fortunate enough to be sent some cask samples of the 2010s from Pierre Gaillard. He makes wine in a modern style, but avoids spoofiness and over-ripeness. In a…
South Africa, day 2
Some great visits today. All in beautiful sunshine. Once again, pictures will have to suffice. Words will come later. The day began with a visit to Neil Ellis’ new cellar…
Judging at the Sommelier Wine Awards
Spent the day judging at the Sommelier Wine Awards, which is run by Imbibe magazine. The idea is to award medals to wines that deserve a place on a good wine…
Why are tasting notes so bad? Can anything be done?
Just been browsing the tasting notes on a well known wine website (I will spare the name; I don’t want to be mean to this fine publication, because the problem…
A day in Madrid. Only just.
Just spent the day in Madrid judging the malolactic wine awards. Now this may seem a little technical and unusual, but it’s a contest for red wines from Spain and…