August 10, 2022 - Joaquín Hidalgo
In South America, some wines tell a story while others represent an entire era. There is no doubt that in Chile, Viñedo Chadwick is one of the latter. On my last trip to the country, I had the opportunity to explore 21 chapters of that tale, from beginning to end. Here is a journey through both the style of this Cabernet Sauvignon and the history of a terroir that has earned its name in Maipo.
August 9, 2022 - Neal Martin
When I asked Pichon-Lalande winemaker Nicolas Glumineau to pour off-vintages of his choosing, it turned out to be a surprisingly insightful and even enjoyable tasting. Time to venture into growing seasons hardly seen to learn more about this Pauillac Second Growth.
August 4, 2022 - Neal Martin
A vertical of South African Pinotage might sound like torture to some. When the wine is the Cape’s greatest Pinotage, then you understand why the room was packed for the first ever complete tasting of Kanonkop’s Black Label and why its owners and winemaker flew over for the occasion.
August 3, 2022 - Joaquin Hidalgo
What were you doing 25 years ago? A quarter of a century is a good chunk of anyone’s life, but time is always a matter of perspective. Whereas for some old-world producers 25 years can go by in the blink of an eye, in South America it represents an eternity. It’s hard to organize a vertical tasting that can adequately tell that story. But it is not impossible.
August 2, 2022 - Neal Martin
Not far from Chablis lies a tiny appellation that can be a source of fine Pinot Noirs. Following on from last year’s report, I returned to Irancy and highlight some of its undiscovered gems.
July 28, 2022 - David Schildknecht
With only a small number of well-known estates, it is easy to overlook the viticultural significance of one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. That would be an unfortunate mistake. Mittelrhein's producers are turning out high quality wines that showcase a wide variety of styles.
July 27, 2022 - Neal Martin
Pierre Duroché’s rapid ascent in Gevrey-Chambertin has been startling to witness. So, when he invited me for a vertical tasting of his Lavaut-Saint Jacques Premier Cru, with a couple of “old vintages” thrown in, I made sure my busy schedule was clear.
August 5, 2022 - Neal Martin
Lorne is my favourite restaurant in London right now. I would not claim it is the best. But favourite? That means much more to me.
July 29, 2022 - Antonio Galloni
As great as the wines are, I am once again reminded that wines are made special by context, in other words the circumstances, places and people that surround them. This was a truly unforgettable night of food, wine, friendship and camaraderie. Until next time…
July 22, 2022 - Neal Martin
The Waterside Inn is everything that one could wish for. Not only with the standard of cuisine, exquisite as it is, but the service, ambiance and without question, the setting.
92 points ($24)
The 2021 Rosé Ode to Lulu shows mineral-tinged aromas of red berries, nectarine and citrus zest complemented by herb notes. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering white peach, strawberry and tangerine flavors with delineation and tension. A floral note lingers on the finish. (JR)
91 points ($20)
The 2021 Nebbiolo Rusin opens slowly in the glass, displaying dried apricots, peach skins and sweet smoke. Soothing textures with brilliant acidity enriches its white cherry-berry fruits. Minerality and sour citrus linger as the 2021 tapers off with fine tension. (EG)
90 points ($15)
The 2021 Bianco Regaleali is remarkably pretty with white flowers, ripe peaches, candied citrus and hints of wet stone. Soft textural orchard fruits cascade across a core of zesty acidity and salty minerals. A balance of sweet and sour keeps the finale fresh. (EG)
August 8, 2022 - Neal Martin
This Cellar Favourite takes a look at the Bordeaux dry white, Lune d’Or, an increasingly important part of Olivier Bernard’s portfolio. Prior to tasting the Domaine de Chevalier proprietor’s latest releases at en primeur, he opened every vintage since the debut to demonstrate the quality of dry whites from Sauternes and its ageing potential.
August 1, 2022 - Antonio Galloni
I was thrilled to open this eclectic collection of wines from my cellar during this year’s Inspire Napa Valley dinner at Staglin. It’s a rare treat to take a break from the hectic pace of tasting wines for review and actually drink a few things for pleasure.
July 22, 2022 - Neal Martin
Winemaker Matt Day, together with co-proprietor Hans Astrom, flew from South Africa recently to present a rare vertical tasting of their Vin de Constance that included the forthcoming 2019 vintage.