I remember tasting the Sancerre of Claude Riffault many years back and while they were good, even very good, I would not have called them exceptional. Today, having just tasted two different examples from the domaine, I can comfortably confirm that Stephane Riffault, Claude’s son is making exceptional wines. Frankly, I was...
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This grape variety fascinates me, and I have become a regular buyer of it for myself. It seems that it has caught on with a number of you as well – those who have been brave enough to get to grips with a relatively unknown varietal!
Ronchi di Cialla’s Schioppettino is a h...
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No-one who has been following Bordeaux for many years could forget the clamour for stock that was witnessed when the 2009 Bordeaux vintage was released. Robert Parker was in his pomp, at the peak of his powers, and boldly claimed that ‘2009 may turn out to be the finest vintage I have tasted in 32 years of covering Bordeaux. ...
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The wines from Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers deserve greater attention. I say this, as every time I taste through the range, I am struck at just how impressive they are.
We have developed a steady following since we started raving about these McClaren Vale wines over seven years ago. They possess a rare sense of balance, precision and...
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On Wednesday night, I had the chance to taste a range of 2004 Brunello di Montalcino, largely Riservas, from many of the finest producers in the region. It was great to have the chance to taste these Brunello with such maturity, though nearly all showed that they were only halfway into their drinking windows even after twenty years.
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To say I have been looking forward to the latest releases from Gianluca Grasso would be something of a crass understatement. His 2020s were exceptional – from a vintage that will reveal a few significant surprises in due course, and his 2016 Runcot Riserva is a legend in the making; a wine that has shown remarkable character since my earli...
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