The response of most people to the question, ‘is wine art?’ will be, ‘who cares?’ But I think it’s an interesting question, and it’s one that floated around in my…
Exploring Hemel-en-Aarde
Spent a few days in Hemel-en-Aarde, looking around. This is a cool-ish climate wine region in a valley that meets the coast right by the lovely town of Hermanus, about…
Pinot Noir: the alchemy of people, place and time
This is a written version of a talk I’m giving today at the Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir celebration. Pinot Noir is the grape variety that seems to inspire the most…
Wines of the year (5) South African stars
I’m continuing the theme of wines of the year. This year I tasted a lot of very good South African wines, both on my three visits, and also in London….
Oh, the places you’ll go! 2016 in review
January: the year began in New Zealand, for a South Island Road trip, followed by the Sauvignon Blanc celebration. We started off in Central Otago, where it was unseasonably cold….
Notes on the 2016 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction wines
Each year, one of the most anticipated events in the South African calendar is the Cape Winemakers Guild annual auction. Ad it’s coming up next weekend. Special lots of wines…
Brilliant new SA wines at an amazing lunch at Schoon de Companje
Finished my South African trip with an incredible informal lunch at Schoon de Companje, Stellenbosch, with a group of wine producers. Present were Ryan Mostert, Samantha Suddons, Reenen Borman, Mick…
Lunch at Greg with Neal and Gareth, including some nice wines
Lunch at Greg Sherwood’s place (christening his new kitchen!). So it was Sunday, and we were off to Greg Sherwood’s gaff in St Margarets for some food and wine. It…
Three from South Africa
Had three interesting South African wines last night. Here are my notes. Two were served blind (Cartology and Blank Bottle). Cartology 2013 Western Cape, South Africa A blend of Chenin…