Articles
The 4€ Bierzo Mencía experience
by Miquel Hudin | 12-10-2017
I have something of a Modern Art-like fascination with the grocery store chain, Lidl. The implementation of their stores varies wildly from one country to another and in some stores, such as those in the... more »
A further tasting of Bodega Otazu
by Miquel Hudin | 10-10-2017
When the mega top-end “Vitral” by Bodega Otazu was announced earlier this year, I wrote a critique of the overall approach of creating what is for all purposed a “cult wine”, one which is created... more »
In The Glass: Krajančić – Intrada 2016
by Miquel Hudin | 07-10-2017
The Dalmatian grape, Pošip can most certainly be boring, banal, and limp. If overproduced and fermented in large, not perfectly-controlled volumes it dies a mournful death aromatically. But, like so many grapes, when a simple... more »
Napa’s newest wine bar, Compline, opens
by Miquel Hudin | 02-10-2017
It’s something like 15 years now since I was working full time for a Napa Valley winery and back then, I was lucky enough to based in San Francisco for most my work. I say... more »
In The Glass: Shavnabada Monastery – Saperavi 2007
by Miquel Hudin | 27-09-2017
The Shavnabada Monastery is like many monasteries in Georgia: very, very old and with a killer view. They also happen to be the second monastery in Georgia to start releasing wines. The first of course... more »
Neither “whole” nor “food”, Don Simón in a healthy place?
by Miquel Hudin | 23-09-2017
Whole Foods Market has been in the news a great deal recently as it was purchased by Amazon. More market-driven minds than mine have picked apart this deal to no end, so there’s little reason... more »
In The Glass: Haden Fig – Eola Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2013
by Miquel Hudin | 20-09-2017
If there’s one thing that’s exactly the same for me living in Spain as it was living in California, it’s the amount of wine from the Willamette Valley in Oregon that I drink which is... more »
Online quizzes to help pass CMS Sommelier Levels 1 & 2
by Miquel Hudin | 16-09-2017
For those studying up for the Court of Master Sommeliers exams, it can be frustrating to have a sense of what point your knowledge may be at. Sure, you can answer all your flash cards... more »
An update on Israeli wines
by Miquel Hudin | 30-08-2017
It’s something of an interesting time for the wines of Israeli as a number of the very quality-conscious producers are digging into that third dimension of wine, “terroir”. They’re working to further flesh out and... more »
In The Glass: Marimar Estate – Don Miguel Vineyard 2012
by Miquel Hudin |
Marimar Estate is a Torres family venture that’s run my namesake, Marimar Torres in the gilded wine lands of California. Started in 1986, she’s built a solid winery business in the Sonoma Valley with wines... more »