I have just published an extended write-up of a visit to one of New Zealand’s most exciting producers: Dry River, Martinborough. Here, I want to focus on one aspect of…
Recently on the main wineanorak site
Just in case you are a blog-only reader, here are some of the recent articles on the main wineanorak site: Randall Grahm: an interview and tasting with the man behind…
Champagne: vintage versus non-vintage at the Harpers Champagne summit
Today’s Harpers Champagne Summit was really good. I was there to present a ‘masterclass’: my theme, the difference between non-vintage and vintage Champagnes. I compared the NV and vintage wines…
Two pink fizz on an appropriate day
I suppose I’m guilty of not taking pink fizz seriously enough. Well, in light of today’s date, I’ve opened a couple. I’m trying to pretend that I’m being ironic, but…
Back from California
I returned home from my all-too-brief California trip on Friday. Mercifully, the effects of jet-lag have been minimal this trip. I slept through every night while I was there, and…
Two good Kiwi wines from Villa Maria
Very impressed by this pair by Villa Maria, one of New Zealand’s most consistent producers. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2009 Marlborough Seriously seductive Pinot. Sweet cherry and berry…
Some more Sonoma pics
On my way home now, but here are some more Sonoma pictures. The light was just so good this week.
A memorable meal at Shimo, Healdsburg
Last night’s meal at Shimo, Healdsburg will live long in the memory. It describes its offerings as ‘modern steak’, and the steak we had was probably the best I’ve ever…
An afternoon in Sonoma wine country
Yesterday afternoon was fun, with two contrasting winery visits. Scott Burr, my host, arranged two appointments, on a gloriously bright spring day. On the one hand, Kenwood: a relatively large…