Few Napa wineries have the history of Beaulieu Vineyard. In 1900, Georges de Latour founded the winery when he purchased a four-acre vineyard in Rutherford. His wife Fernande commented “Quelle beau lieu” upon first seeing the land, meaning “what a beautiful place.” Over the next two decades, Latour acquired land holdings throughout Napa Valley, including the 1923 purchase of the …

For many wine aficionados, sharing a glass or two with someone they love is one of life’s great pleasures. That can be especially true with a spouse or partner. A new study, led by researchers at the University of Michigan and published in February in The Gerontologist, says that when both partners in a couple drink moderately, they tend to live …

A world blend from Michel Rolland: Pangea. Credit: Pangea Wine. When the very first vintage blend was finalised for Pangaea – a wine not of any singular terroir, region, or varietal expression but one that is a true global red blend – its founders paused and reflected on the magnitude of what they had created. Scroll down to see notes and …

I led the USA & Central America panel – including flights from Paso Robles. This was my first systematic exposure to the 16,600ha AVA sited almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. I still remember the quality of their Cab tannins: ample, tender, melting. Mental bookmark in place, I resolved to visit as soon as I could. That …

The launch of the AMW map. In addition to AMW’s recently launched map and tightening of the source area for AMW-certified fruit, it has updated its yield requirements with a minimum sugar ripeness level for members, whose grapes – other than those destined for low-alcohol products – must now exceed 18 Brix at harvest. It has also appointed its first …

A fresh, well-balanced red, fragrant with mountain herb and violet notes, this version integrates creamy-edged, sculpted tannins with an expressive core of ripe mulberry and black plum fruit, plus accents of cocoa powder, white pepper and paprika. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão. Drink now through 2031. 10,980 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. Source : 8967900c6e18b861060281adbb0285d5

Floral and creamy, this light-bodied white offers a soft, fragrant mix of yellow apple and pear fruit, blanched almond and tangerine peel. Drink now. 7,500 cases made, 4,000 cases imported. Source : 73c2a63a6edd46d10866089f5febf427

Lester and Linda Schwartz met at the University of Cape Town (which my wife also attended) in the 1960s and later emigrated to the US where in 1994 they began planting their Fort Ross vineyard on Sonoma’s high coastal ridge overlooking the Pacific. Given where they come from, it’s only fitting that Chenin Blanc and Pinotage would be in the …