Louis Michel is located in the heart of the village of Chablis, and here they’ve been making wines since 1850. But the family’s winemaking history is even longer, and can…
Chablis (3) fighting frost
One of the main challenges in this northerly, continental region is spring frosts. These still cause considerable losses from time to time, and the 2016 and 2017 vintages were affected….
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…
Two Kiwi Chardonnays: Elephant Hill and Corofin
New Zealand is famous for Sauvignon, famous for Pinot Noir, but not yet famous enough for Chardonnay. Well, at least that’s what I think. It’s a grape variety capable of…
Two from Handford: Schaal Confluence and Garnacha not Guerra
I popped into Handford Wines yesterday to say hello to Greg Sherwood, and have a look round. If there is a merchant in London who has a better array of…
Central Otago (3) Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes, with François and Paul
Back in 2009 Paul Pujol went to do vintage at De Vogüé in Burgundy, with François Millet. Later, in 2013, Paul took François’ son as an intern, and François and…
Gantenbein Chardonnay 2014, a stunning wine from Switzerland
This was a real surprise. I was shopping for a bottle for dinner at Berry Bros & Rudd, and Gareth Birchley appears. So I ask for a tip: something serious,…
Epic Pouilly-Fuissés from Domaine du Roc des Boutires
Domaine du Roc des Boutires is a new discovery for me. This is high-end Pouilly-Fuissé, and the vineyards, which total 4.2 hecatres, are ideally situated in the shadow of Roche…
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand (3) Ash Ridge
In 2000, Chris Wilcock bought a peach orchard in the Bridge Pa district of Hawke’s Bay. At the time, he was working as a banker (he had spells in Switzerland,…