Sad to learn that Quinta do Vale D Maria, one of the Douro’s top quintas, has been sold by Cristiano van Zeller to the Guedes family of Aveleda Vinhos, one…
Neil Ellis Op Sy Moer 2016, a distinctive white bottled with fine lees
Warren Ellis, son of Neil, showed me this wine on a recent trip to South Africa. It’s a blend of Palomino from Piekeneerskloof (450 m, Table Mountain sandstone soils), with…
Video: the 2017 i4C in Niagara, Canada, celebrating Chardonnay in style
A short film from this year’s International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration, in Niagara, Canada. See www.coolchardonnay.org.
Lagar de Cervera 2016, a classic Albariño
Lagar de Cervera is owned by La Rioja Alta. Back in the 1980s they realized that their white Riojas weren’t the best ever wines, and began searching for a companion…
Prophet’s Rock Pinot Noir Cuvée Aux Antipodes 2015, a brilliant New Zealand/Burgundy collaboration
Back in February, I had a chance to try this collaboration between Paul Pujol of Prophet’s Rock and François Millet of Comte de Vogüé in Burgundy when I was sitting…
Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Les Princes Abbés 2009 Alsace
Schlumberger are a major producer based in Guebwiller in the south of the Alsace wine region. They have a sizeable vineyard holding: Guebwiller is the only village in Alsace with four…
La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza 2008
I was impressed by this classically styled Rioja from La Rioja Alta. In a good vintage, like 2008, Viña Ardanza is a bit of a steal. It’s available from The…
Wine tasters are made, not born
There’s an excellent interview with Barry Smith on ABC (Australia) radio on the philosophy of wine. For a professor of philosophy, Barry is remarkably accessible and good at explaining what…
Wild Air Sauvignon Blanc: one of South Africa’s finest
I was really impressed by this South African Sauvignon. Available in the UK from agent Indigo Wines: retail is c £20 and stockists include The Sampler, Highbury Vintners. Vincognito, Handford…