Boxes of Cabernet Sauvignon catch the early morning light, as the grapes prepare to be sorted before processing at Anomaly Vineyards in Napa Valley. In northern California, the harvest is looking to be a little later than usual, but warm sunny weather means the red grapes are making their way towards final ripeness, and some white wines have already begun …
Read More »Daily Archives: August 18, 2023
Loire Valley Legend Jean Baumard Dies at 92
Considered a master of Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley, Jean Baumard of Domaine des Baumard passed away on Aug. 8. The Baumard family has been cultivating vines on their Anjou estate since 1634, but Jean was responsible for the quality surge of the domaine’s modern era—and for restoring prominence to the dry wines of Savennières and sweet wines of …
Read More »Best LCBO Wine Reviews: Vintages Ratings August 19, 2023
You can access the wines that I reviewed as a text wine list with my complete tasting notes, scores, food matches. If you are a Paid Member, you can add my wine picks to your custom shopping list with one click and access that list on your smartphone to find the stock for each wine in your closest LCBO store. You can also see my wine …
Read More »Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills
If there is one part of Santa Barbara County that most embodies everything that makes the region special, it’s the Sta Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (always appearing as Sta Rita Hills on wine labels thanks to a compromise made with Chilean producer Santa Rita). It fully deserves its own tasting article both because its wines alone made up nearly …
Read More »Producer profile: Domaine de Chevalier & 12 wines tasted
Domaine de Chevalier reflects the charismatic nature of tireless owner Olivier Bernard, 63, whose energy impresses everyone who meets him. ‘Olivier is a great connoisseur with a mouthwatering way of life,’ says Michael Grimm, of German importer Bacchus Wines. ‘You taste and enjoy his vision to produce one of the most delicious and best Bordeaux wines for clients and connoisseurs …
Read More »Asian spirits revolution
An agave field for Pistola production Imagine the scene, some 20 years ago, when a fresh-faced, enthusiastic salesperson walked through the doors of one of Glasgow’s most revered Scotch whisky bars. In their hands, a case of Japanese whisky: a spirit already popular in its domestic market, but one which had next to no profile in the UK. To the …
Read More »Auction of Washington Wines 2023 raises $4m to benefit local community
Actor Kyle MacLachlan presents a magnum of his wine Pursued by Bear at the gala event. The most recent events took place between 10-12 August and included an awards dinner, barrel auction and gala evening. The fundraising proceedings – combined with the ‘Bid for Bottles’ auction, which was held in April – raised $4m, matching the total raised in 2022. …
Read More »Company CEO embezzled $4m to build boutique winery and horse ranch in Virginia
Gerhard Bauer, 73, faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a mail fraud scheme, which saw him steal from his employer. Bauer was the CEO and president of the unnamed international company’s US subsidiary, and his activities raised suspicion. Prosecutors said that he created fake invoices and wrote company cheques in order to steal the …
Read More »DFWE London masterclass featuring Moueix: Limestone vs Gravel on Bordeaux’s Right Bank
Get ready to be captivated as Edouard Moueix guides you through a comparative tasting experience exploring the signature styles of Bordeaux Right Bank royalty, Moueix. Moueix is one of three esteemed producers to be hosting a masterclass at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) London, on Saturday, 11th November 2023. This masterclass is set to be an enlightening experience highlighting …
Read More »Xavier Monnot Meursault Les Chevalières 2021 $94 (95 points)
Perfumed, with white flowers, lime, peach, vanilla and smoky mineral aromas and flavors, this white is on the creamy side, yet vibrant, with terrific harmony and an extended finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,606 cases made, 150 cases imported. Source : f7f3bacc8c85b59ce70d0e0e2b433391
Read More »Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia 2021 $26 (91 points)
Laced with black cherry, black currant and violet aromas and flavors, this red is immediately appealing for its lush fruit. Balanced, fresh and long, with iron, wild herb and tobacco details. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028. 50,000 cases made, 10,000 cases imported. Source : e4cfe8e8bf00fb344bbcbb921fc431dd
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