Gewurztraminer is a funny grape. Usually, I like it in small doses. It can be just a bit too distinctive. But I did once have lunch with someone who was…
Clare Valley Shiraz – two good ones
Australia’s Clare Valley is a region I’m drawn to. It’s capable of making great Riesling, great Shiraz and great Cabernet Sauvignon – an unusual mixture. Perhaps this is because the…
Cain Five 2004: a serious Napa Bordeaux blend
I have a soft spot for Cain. It was the first winery I visited in Napa Valley (fairly recently, actually) and I was impressed by the thoughtful approach of Chris…
Spotted at the Portuguese tasting
Two meetings today meant I had less time at the annual wines of Portugal tasting, but I still managed to taste some interesting wines. Here are a few highlights. CARM,…
Wine has never been so good!
For all the moaning about the internationalization of wine styles (something that I am concerned about), I need to point out that there’s never been so much good wine in…
Serious NZ Bordeaux blend from Hawkes Bay: The Quarry
Lest we forget that Hawkes Bay (and, more specifically, the Gimblett Gravels) is just about Syrah, here’s a serious Bordeaux blend from Craggy Range. Craggy Range ‘The Quarry’ 2008 Gimblett…
A lovely white Burgundy from Sauzet
Sometimes the hierarchy of Burgundy vineyards can be a bit of a problem. It magnifies the label effect: when critics see the name Grand Cru on a label, it usually…
Another brilliant New Zealand Syrah
Really like this: yet another superb New Zealand Syrah, from the Gimblett Gravels district of Hawkes Bay. Kiwi Syrah has a distinct personality. Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2008 Hawkes Bay,…
Pancho Campo hits out against bloggers
[POST DELETED] I have just had a lengthy phone conversation with Pancho Campo, in which he explained all the details of the trip he organized for Dr Jay Miller of…