Tasted through the new releases from Sasha Lichine’s Château d’Esclans in Provence. This winery has been a remarkable success story because of its very smart strategy. High quality wines, with…
Half way in the International Wine Challenge
Week one of this second tranche of the 2017 International Wine Challenge is over. Except for the crew, that is: they have to stay the weekend doing the immense job…
Eight decades of Kopke Colheita ports
After judging at the IWC on Thursday there was a chance to try some more wine. Normally after a busy day tasting hungreds of wines, the last thing I feel…
The fab 2015s and 2016s from Alheit, one of South Africa’s star producers
Chris and Suzaan Alheit’s story is one of discovering great vineyards, and then making wine from them, very simply (see my article from a visit three years ago, when they…
Alexandre Jouveaux Combarnier (2010) NV Vin de France
This is quite a wine. It’s seven years old, made in a very natural way, and it’s still incredibly reductive, with a strong matchstick/mineral character. There are some subtle oxidative…
Beginning two weeks judging at the International Wine Challenge
I’m on my way to day 2 of the second tranche of the International Wine Challenge judging at the Oval. For two weeks we will be sifting through an unspecified…
Grower Champagne Focus: Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte Anne
This is really good. And it’s just £24 at The Wine Society. Stunning value for money. Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte Anne NV France 12% alcohol. 60% 2014 and 40% 2013,…
Tasting some interesting South African Chenin, with a video
Tasted some nice Chenins lately. It’s such an interesting and adaptable grape variety. Raats Granite Block Chenin Blanc 2015 Coastal Region, South Africa Very fruity mandarin and lime notes with…
Lovely wines at Noble Rot
Was in Noble Rot on Friday night with Mark and Dan. It ended up becoming quite a big evening and we had some nice wines. How did we manage in…