Finding ’14 & La Festa de la Verema04-11-2016
Two years back, I wrote an account of the 2014 harvest which is where the photo above was from. It was nasty. What wasn’t desiccated was full of botrytis or then underripe and green. It... more>
Domaine la Barroche now in its new cellar13-04-2016
Passing down from the north of France and after stopping off to judge in Lyon I made a quick stop to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste at Les Printemps as well as visit the brand new cellar... more>
The rest of 201605-01-2016
Continued from yesterday, a few more observations about what’s to come in 2016 in general and outside of Catalonia. Southern France I just received an email from Michel Blanc in Châteauneuf going on at length... more>
Lidl & Domaine de Pignan 200830-05-2015
For those unfamiliar with supermarkets in Spain, there are few these days that are good and most verge on repugnant (Mercadona.) One of the ones that has historically been the mecca of all bargain dwellers... more>
A meeting of Grenaches, Les Printemps de Châteauneuf 201520-04-2015
This past 11-13th of April was the sixth edition of Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Organized by the association of young winegrowers, this year it showcased 86 of the local domaines. The atmosphere is overall quite... more>
Domaine de Nalys16-03-2015
It was a bit over a year ago that I encountered Domaine de Nalys at Vinisud in Montpellier. The wines stood out as they had more white wines than any other winery and on top... more>
The young Châteauneuf in Domaine la Barroche23-12-2014
I initially met Julien Barrot at Vinisud 2014. I came away with a good impression of this young winemaker as well as a bottle sample that was enjoyed with writer and sommelier friends here in... more>
Revisting Châteauneuf07-08-2014
Earlier this year, during the dark, cold months of February, I hopped on a speedy train to Montpellier to attend Vinisud 2014. An absolute must for any wine professional, it made me expect more of... more>
Vinisud 201411-03-2014
At the beginning of February a friend of mine asked me if I was going to Vinisud in Montpellier, France this year. I told him that I hadn’t honestly thought about it. After seeing that... more>
The best bar in Paris20-08-2013
Going out for a drink in Paris is not for the light of wallet. A cocktail will be around 10€ and a glass of wine will start at 5€ in any basic café. For some,... more>