I’m currently on the Stansted Express, on my way to the airport to fly to Piedmont. Unfortunately, I won’t be there for long – I arrive in Bergamo tonight at…
A lovely Gigondas
I’ve neglected the Southern Rhone a bit of late. Here’s a good one, from father and daughter team Bernard and Celine Chauvet of Domaine Grapillon d’Or (www.domainedugrapillondor.com) Domaine Grapillon D’Or…
Another good Kiwi red: Crossroads Winery Syrah 2008
This is nice. A good example of Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels subregion in Hawkes Bay. It’s by the Crossroads Winery, part of the Ager Sectus group that includes Southbank…
Shortlist for 2010 Roederer Awards revealed
The Roederer shortlist for 2010 has been revealed – I’m shortlisted in three categories, but what really counts is winning one, and we’ll have to wait for September to find…
Some wine references in films
Two good films, recently watched, both had some nice wine references. First, in Zombieland there’s a scene in Bill Murray’s house where Witchita and Columbus drink some Beaulieu Georges de Latour…
Back from NZ, some more pictures
Arrived back this afternoon. Flight was made uncomfortable by a cold that I’ve developed. I’m now feeling a bit lousy. So I don’t really feel up to anything more than…
Man O’War – spectacular vineyards on Waiheke Island
Today was brilliant. My friend Andrew and I visited Man O’ War vineyards on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Waiheke is almost impossibly beautiful, and Man…
In Auckland with the Hems
Yesterday was great. Spent it with Wine Marlborough. First, a superb tasting of a range of very interesting Marlborough wines, including some superb Pinot Noir and a really fantastic Syrah….
Some lovely Marlborough Pinot Noir
Up early today, for another series of interviews with scientists involved with the Sauvignon Blanc research program. Again, I learned a great deal. Pictured above is a vial of isobutylmethoxypyrazine,…