It was very interesting to try these two high-end terroir-based Chardonnays from Catena, and then the next day to have a look at the soils that produced them. They both…
Dinner at 1884 Francis Mallmann, Mendoza
On my last night in Mendoza I dined alone. It’s something I rarely do on my travels: often I’ll use a free evening as a chance to skip a meal…
Some pictures from Mendoza, Argentina
I have been in Mendoza for two and a half days now, and it has been a remarkable time. I have been with Catena’s Instituteof Wine, a research department bringing…
In Argentina
I’m in Mendoza, Argentina. I just arrived, so the picture above is from my last visit, showing Catena’s high-altitude Adrianna vineyard. Today started around 5 pm yesterday when I left…
Southern Rhône, I have neglected you – Brusset Les Hauts de Montmirail 2012
Southern Rhône, I have neglected you. We used to be good friends. When I first got into wine you used to give me a lot of pleasure. Vieux Telegraphe and…
New vintages from Duncan Savage, one of South Africa’s stars
I’ve previously written about the first releases from Duncan Savage on this blog, giving them fairly hefty scores. Fortunately most serious commentators are in full agreement about these wines. The…
So what does a 89 year old table wine taste like?
I have just written up a Marques de Murrieta Rioja tasting, where we got to drink, among other lovely older wines, a bottle of Castillo Ygay 1925. It was remarkable….
Lunch at the Glasshouse, Kew
Back to one of my favourite places yesterday, for a lovely lunch. The Glasshouse, Kew, is worth a detour. The wine list is really creative and diverse, the service is…
Altano Organic Douro Red 2012, a brilliant bargain
This is a brilliant bargain! It’s a grown-up, proper Douro red for less than a tenner. The Symingtons are the largest organic farmer in the Douro with 126 hectares of…