At the moment, I’m spending a good portion of my waking moments in research activity. It’s a lovely aspect of what I do: dealing with new ideas. There’s something thrilling…
Gamay focus 13: Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin a Vent Les Rouchaux 2011
This is a really interesting Beaujolais from Thibault Liger-Belair, who has taken his Burgundian approach to the Gamay grape. I’ll let him explain his journey: I have made a part…
Clos de Tart: a vertical tasting of one of Burgundy’s most celebrated wines
Clos de Tart needs little introduction for most wine lovers. It’s Burgundy’s largest Grand Cru monopole (where the whole vineyard is owned by one producer) and for the last…
Champagne Vilmart et Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Premier Cru 2010
I recently reviewed Vilmat’s Grand Cellier NV Cuvee, and really liked it. Now it’s the turn of its elder sibling, the Grand Cellier D’Or 2010. This is a remarkable wine…
Champagne Agrapart Avizoise Extra Brut Grand Cru 2008
Enjoyed this last night at The Glue Pot in Reims, which has a lovely list of grower Champagnes and craft beers. This was 94 Euros on the list. It’s really…
Champagne Gimonnet Blanc de Blancs Cuvee Cuis 1er Cru NV
I love this Champagne. It’s one I’ve enjoyed before, and so it was nice that it was the first one to be shown on this trip, in a small tasting…
Press trip dynamics, and Tuckman’s model
I’m on another press trip. This time, it’s to Champagne. One of the most interesting things about press trips is the group dynamics, especially when you are travelling with people…
A new high end Pinot Noir from Torres, Chile: Escaleras de Empedrado
This is quite exciting. It’s a new high-end Pinot Noir from Chile, made by Torres. And it has been a long time coming. 20 years ago, Torres went prospecting for…
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2012 England
2012 was an absolute shocker of a vintage across southern England. It was just too cool, and then the season ran out of heat. The result? Many wineries just didn’t…