Napa Valley at The Palm, London.
What is it about Napa Valley wines that drew luminaries from all forms of the wine trade to descend upon London’s The Palm Restaurant recently? Ignoring all major wine shows … Continue reading
Mike Matthews – A Profile of California’s King of Zin – Joel Peterson and Ravenswood Wines
California has been a hotbed of great wine for many years now, even if somewhat misunderstood. The massed produced styles of Gallo’s Rosé have dominated supermarkets and High St outlets … Continue reading
Toni ‘The Doc’ Cascio – Reviews Bella Luce Ferrari-Carano White Blend
Bella Luce Ferrari-Carano white blend Sonoma County California 2010 If Bella Luce were a woman, she would be a ballet dancer. As I sit here sipping Ferrari-Carano’s luscious white … Continue reading
Decanter – Small harvests expected across Europe as California eyes price rises
Wine producers across the northern hemisphere are beginning their grape harvest, with many expecting a much smaller crop, and some seeking comfort in optimistic predictions of quality. Dolcetto harvest: ‘jeopardised’ … Continue reading
Press Democrat: Bucking the trends. How US Vintners are producing against the commercial grain.
It wasn’t that long ago that wine-drinking in America came down to two options, red or white. Not anymore. As harvest gets under way in Sonoma County, there are many … Continue reading
Toni Cascio, Ph.D. Reviews Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, CA 2009 I took one sip of Sequoia Grove’s 2009 Cabernet and swooned. It’s lush, lush, lush. This is a Cabernet that is full-bodied with … Continue reading
Oregon shines at IPNC 2012
Oregon proved its quality on the world stage, along with its collaborative spirit, as nearly 700 visitors descended on McMinnville for the 26th International Pinot Noir Celebration at the weekend. Among … Continue reading
Vineyard at Stockcross revisits Judgement of Paris
Another recreation of the legendary Judgement of Paris tasting has ended in a convincing victory for American wines. Winner: L’Après Midi This time the tasting took place at the Vineyard at … Continue reading
AIV Debate: Can biodynamic unlock ‘noble’ wines?
Greater respect for the soil is key to producing wines that accurately express terroir and may be considered ‘noble’, a meeting of the Academie du Vin has been told. Paul … Continue reading
How To Overcome Your Wine Ignorance – My post in today’s Sabotage Times 10/6/12
Do you know you’re Chardonnays from Chenin Blancs? Or what gives a wine it’s colour? Find out everything you ever wanted to know about wine below. What is it about … Continue reading
Accolade Wines acquires Geyser Peak
Accolade Wines has acquired Californian brand Geyser Peak, as well as stablemates Atlas Peak and XYZin, from Ascentia Wine Estates, with the aim of spearheading growth in the US. Chief executive … Continue reading
Cannabis wine catching on in California
A number of California winemakers are secretly producing wines laced with cannabis, with Cabernet Sauvignon the grape variety of choice for the blend. “Pot wine is increasingly fashionable in wine … Continue reading
Zinfandel focus for new UK importer
A new UK importer has set up dedicated to Californian wines and especially Zinfandel. Established by Mark Haddrell and Olivia Gilbert, Sheffield-based Zinstream began trading in November 2011, when the … Continue reading
The Oenophiliac 