In Cain I Trust17-06-2019

When writing about wine, everything digital is your best friend–right after a spittoon. A lightweight laptop, or in a pinch, the mobile, armed with either Google Keep for quick notes or Excel for longer tastings... more>

Let’s talk about ’16 and Álvaro Palacios25-03-2019

A decade ago, despite living just an hour away in San Francisco, my visits to Napa Valley were readily-dwindling in regularity as tourism was then and is now, out of control. But in a nearly-final... more>

Wine Predictions for 201901-01-2019

In these illustrious times of silly-haired men holding sway over the misdirection of the world, predictions of any kind are slightly less useful than horse sweat. But, as little value as general predictions may have,... more>

A taste from the east, Crama Ferdi13-09-2018

One judges wine competitions neither for fame nor money which is good as both are in staggeringly short supply for the activity. So, why do it? Well, to challenge yourself into being more analytical about... 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>

Tasting the latest of Vins de Pedra14-11-2017

It was back in 2012 that I witnessed the first breaths of Vins de Pedra. During a spring visit to La Vinyeta and chatting with owner, Josep Serra, it was impossible to miss a new... more>

The story of Triaca24-07-2017

I can’t properly remember the first time nor even the first place that I bumped into Santi. I feel that it was in Falset during a Vi de Vila tasting was where we first met... more>

The Blason Louis experience22-06-2017

A few months back, I was contacted by Blason Louis to receive a pack of their wine flaçons. I really had no idea what they were talking about as a bottle for wine is bouteille... more>

Bodega Otazu’s Vitral, the 2,000€ ruse24-02-2017

A few days ago, word came down that there is a new, ultra-premium-priced wine from Spain, the Bodega Otazu – Vitral 2013. Undeterred by the idea of a mere 1,000€ for Pingus or l’Ermita, they’ve... more>