Dec
30
Tenuta di Trinoro Campo di Magnacosta 2015
Andrea Franchetti’s Tenuta di Trinoro project makes some of the best wine in Italy. Located in an obscure part of Tuscany and focused on Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Franc, the
Dec
18
Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2006
All serious lovers of Italian wine know Emidio Pepe. His wines are legendary because they achieved greatness without fanfare, but rather through the dedication Pepe showed to his craft since
Nov
29
Champagne Recommendations for the Holidays
Holidays need Champagne, much for the reasons Napoleon indicated. Champagne evens the ups and downs of life, family, and friends. It allows pause in an over-programmed life. I am not
Nov
16
Domaine Hubert Lamy “En Remilly” Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2016
Climate change and talent are transforming St. Aubin. Olivier Lamy at Domaine Hubert Lamy is a leading light in this appellation, alongside the likes of Pierre Yves Colin-Morey. St. Aubin,
Aug
25
Is Chardonnay the Most Diverse Grape in the World?
To set this post, I have purposefully asked a complex question with a complex answer. Despite its seemingly simple base form, Chardonnay does not reveal itself with simple explanations. Chardonnay
Aug
9
Benjamin Leroux “Les Mitans” Volnay Premier Cru 2016
Most of our world and our lives are occupied with narrowness. Linear processes, limited ways of executing tasks, myopic behavioural expectations, risk-aversion to steer clear of the wrath of the
Jul
28
Some New World Wines Showing Favourably Alongside Burgundy
Wine competition is more intense now than any time in the history of the commercial wine industry. This has pushed quality in every region higher and faster – even a
Jun
30
Two Modernist Brunellos from 2004
There is, understandably, a cult for the great traditionalists across the storied regions of Europe. Such wines tend to express terroir more consistently and transparently. Brunello di Montalcino is a
Jun
16
Stella di Compalto Rosso di Montalcino 2013 and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2011
Truly great Sangiovese is exceptionally rare for the potential of the grape. It should produce a wine of elegance, aromatics, and mid-weight purity. It should embrace its acidity. It should
May
31
A Parade of Barolo
Never-tiring and always inspiring, I’ve been fortunate to drink several top Barolo producers and crus in the last few months. Cavallotto remains a favourite producer, and the estate’s two great single-vineyard