Montalcino: The Great 2015 Brunellos & More
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Apr 2020
Wine lovers everywhere are in for a real treat with Montalcino’s latest releases. The 2015 Brunellos are some of the best in recent memory, while the 2018 Rossos are wonderfully fresh and inviting. A handful of luscious Moscadellos round out the wines featured in this report.
Domaine Dujac Clos Saint-Denis 1970-2004
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Mar 2020
Domaine Dujac’s Clos Saint-Denis has long been one of my favorite Burgundies, so when I had the chance to participate in a unique vertical of over 20 vintages back to the domaine’s earliest days, well, how could I refuse?
Tuscany New Releases, Part 1
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Mar 2020
This first installment of our Tuscany coverage looks at a wide range of new releases across a region that is vast, wonderfully diverse and full of wines that are well worth exploring. From the big, bold reds of Maremma to those of perhaps slightly lesser known appellations such as Carmignano, Montepulciano, Cortona and Orcia, Tuscany offers readers so much to discover. The journey with Italian wines is truly never-ending. Tuscany alone is a great example of that. Best of all, many of the wines in this article also offer terrific value in today’s world.
A Man of Polite Learning
Vinous Remembers, featured
, Mar 2020
My two-part tribute to the late Michael Broadbent MW delves behind the persona, an obituary of sorts blended of personal anecdotes and an interview from 2004 with the man himself, one that prompted him to remark: “You have revealed aspects of myself that I was unaware of."
From Broom To Gavel: Michael Broadbent MW
Vinous Remembers, featured
, Mar 2020
My two-part tribute to the late Michael Broadbent MW delves behind the persona, an obituary of sorts blended of personal anecdotes and an interview from 2004 with the man himself, one that prompted him to remark: “You have revealed aspects of myself that I was unaware of."
Piedmont: Beyond the Usual Suspects
Italy: Piedmont, featured
, Mar 2020
With its plethora of appellations and indigenous grape varieties, Piedmont is one of the most intriguing regions in Italy. The range and diversity of wines is just breathtaking. Although Barolo and Barbaresco continue to command quite a bit of attention, the reality is most of us can’t afford to drink Barolo or Barbaresco every day. I certainly can’t. But Piedmont has much to offer beyond those famous areas, including so many wines that deliver superb quality for the money. Readers will find plenty of gorgeous, affordable wines in this report.
Remembering Renato Vacca
Italy: Piedmont, Vinous Remembers, featured
, Mar 2020
I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Renato Vacca at just 51. Painfully shy and introverted, Vacca crafted gorgeous wines that capture all the pedigree nestled within the striking hillside vineyards of Barbaresco. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him and all those who his wines touched.
Roses de Jeanne La Bolorée Retrospective
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, France: Champagne
, Mar 2020
"What would you like to taste?” Cédric Bouchard asks as we descend into his cellar. We are in the middle of a brutal heat wave in France. The cool cellar provides a much-needed break from the unrelenting heat. “Really, whatever you want,” Bouchard says, sensing my apprehension as I gaze at a stunning collection of bottles, but not wanting to ask for too much….
In Good Taste: Branaire-Ducru 1928-2013
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Mar 2020
Continuing my series of profiles in Saint-Julien, it’s time to take a look at Branaire-Ducru, including history, winemaking practices, tasting notes and its connection with one of Roald Dahl’s most famous short stories.
The Many Different Chiles of Chile
featured, Chile
, Mar 2020
This is a turbulent period in the history of Chile. The entire country is debating the prospect of a new constitution, which would represent an inflection point between one era and another. These changing times affect the wine industry as much as any other, since, like all cultural products, wine is a reflection of its political, social and economic context. The Chilean wine industry is also undergoing a transformation. But here, unlike the political situation, it’s nothing but good news. That was my first reflection after tasting over 700 wines on a two-week trip across the country...