Events

Tast del Decenni 2019: The DOQ Priorat 2009 vintage02-07-2019

In 2009, the heaviest shoe of the Global Financial Crisis had finally fallen. All the maneuvering, consolidating, and bailing of companies and governments truly came to a head for and was deeply affecting European countries,... more>

Looking back on Sauvignon Blanc20-03-2019

My flight had arrived on time. This may seem a trivial concern but when flying Iberia’s budget line, Vueling, you prepare for the annoying but expect the worst. Sometimes that just means seats arranged for... more>

The definitive wine guide for Thanksgiving16-11-2018

My Great Uncle George had Thanksgiving food and drink pairing down pat: “Everything tastes better with Budweiser”. Straight shooting and always to the point, you’d never have known George was first generation Portuguese given his... more>

The ever-mighty Xarel·lo. Recaredo: Turó d’en Mota 2006 & Serral del Vall 200829-10-2018

Perhaps it’s because t hasn’t popped up on #sommlife or the less-used but seemingly less annoying #awesomm. Or, perhaps it’s just that the punt volat (·) tosses people for a wobbly, but Xarel·lo is still... more>

Some choice Garnatxes from DOQ Priorat & DO Montsant for #GrenacheDay21-09-2018

In 2010, those who make Grenache decided that the third Friday of September would hence forth be “International Grenache Day”. While initially hatched at an event in France’s Rhône, this has indeed became a thing... more>

Last chance to submit to the Geoffrey Roberts Award 201810-09-2018

For those who may not know of it, the Geoffrey Roberts Award is one that takes on the form of a bursary granted to those who show “…a genuine commitment to New World wines or... more>

From such holes gold, or even platinum emerges...

Georgian wine evolution: Kvevri gold at Decanter Awards04-07-2018

Given my living location and writing focus I’m viewed as a “Spain person” for the Decanter Awards. This is great and I’m very happy to judge these wines but I made a mention to the... more>

Continuum: How the Mondavis pressed on14-05-2018

One of the grandest of sagas that took place in Napa Valley during the 20th century was the split between the original Mondavi brothers of Robert and Peter. Many a wine drinker will know the... more>

Tast del Decenni 2018: The DOQ Priorat 2008 vintage11-05-2018

The 2008 vintage for DOQ Priorat was something of a crossing-the-Rubicon, come-to-Bacchus, everything-has-changed vintage. The wineries started the year coming off of one of their best vintages ever, 2007 (read more) and they ended the... more>

Old vines in the Mas de la Rosa vineyard

A Priorat tasting of Carignan without borders02-05-2018

Fully booked! Sorry for those who couldn’t get in this time around! I have admittedly been a bit crazy about Carignan lately. It’s no wonder as I posted this large, “Grand Tasting of Carignan” from... more>