Yesterday was the first day’s judging at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Taking place at the Oval Cricket Ground, which has been an excellent home to the challenge for the…
On belonging
For two weeks each year, around April, I’m reminded what it is like to go to work. Like normal people do. As in have a job. It’s the International Wine…
Neudorf Rosie’s Block Chardonnay 2015, with video
This is the latest release from Nelson winery Neudorf, and it’s a new name for an old wine. Rosie’s Block is named after Judy and Tim Finn’s daughter Rosie, and…
A lovely wine lunch at La Colombe, Cape Town, with Coche, Raveneau, Jamet and Montrose
It was great to catch up with Keith Prothero, Ryan Mostert and Sam Suddons on Wednesday for lunch at one of Cape Town’s most celebrated restuarants, La Colombe. It was…
In the vineyards with Johan Reyneke talking farming and biodynamics
Had a lovely morning with Johan Reyneke at is Stellenbosch farm. Duncan Savage and I swung by for a spot of breakfast, and we had a lengthy chat about how…
Judging the Top 100 South African Wines competition
For the last couple of days I have been judging the Top 100 South African Wines competition. This is the sixth year this competition has been run. Along with Richard…
In South Africa: new releases from Craven, Intellego and Hogan
Caught the end of yesterday’s Ex Animo trade tasting in Cape Town, after a long day’s judging wine. And in the short time available, managed to try new releases from…
In Cape Town, the first evening: Meerlust, Villiera, Mossop and Nuy
I’m in Cape Town. I’ve come to judge the Top 100 South African wines competition, which is now in its sixth year. This year, for the first time, we’re not…
Video: reviewing Torres Sangre de Toro, a good honest cheapie
I have a soft spot for Torres. They’re a big company, but they make honest wines. The cheap stuff – the Vina Sol, Vina Esmerelda and the Sangre de Toro…