Everything has a beginning; everything has an end. There are beginnings of endings and endings of beginnings. I’ve been thinking about these things for a while. A couple of weeks…
Some new Torres wines, with Miguel
Miguel Torres was in town, to discuss Torres’ environmental concerns, and also to show some new wines. I have great respect for Mr Torres, who has made the environment and…
Elgin vintage experience 1, Iona
The first day of my vintage experience in South Africa’s Elgin region was spent at Iona. I was with Werner Muller, the winemaker, for the day. Iona have three properties:…
First impressions matter, with people and with wine
First impressions count. I’m increasingly convinced of this. The first line of a novel. It matters more than it should. The first time you meet someone: this is particularly important….
What is greatness in a wine?
What is greatness in a wine? This was the subject of a session at the Pinot Noir symposium, where we were encouraged to discuss this question among ourselves. These are…
On dentists and teeth
I had a problem. I woke up on Saturday with a nagging ache in my mouth, towards the back, at the left. It wasn’t the sharp pain you’d normally associate…
Two affordable Grüner Veltliners
I’m a big fan of Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s specialist grape variety. Here are two easily available, affordable examples that deliver some of the personality of this grape. Domaine Wachau Weissenkirchen…
Ego is the death to good wine writing
Good writing is all about narrative, we are told. When you go to a wine region, find the stories, and tell them. It’s good advice. But there’s a danger facing…
On pens and writing
I have decided to resurrect my ink pens, which have been a bit neglected of late. Instead, I’ve taken the easy option and used Uni-ball Eye Fine pens, which are…