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Santa Barbara: Out of Many, One
featured, United States: California
, Aug 2025
The refrain that kept running through my head over the course of two weeks of extensive tasting in and around Santa Barbara County was, “Is there anywhere else in the world that can do this many things this well?” The tapestry that makes up the Santa Barbara wine landscape is easily one of the most dynamic in the United States, if not the world. Through the lens of a long, auspicious growing season in 2023, Santa Barbara yielded an embarrassment of riches.
Andean Character: Uco Valley Reds
Argentina, featured
, Aug 2025
Wines from the high-elevation areas of the Uco Valley express a primary profile, accented by the enticingly distinctive character of Andean herbs. This report features over 500 red wines from the Uco Valley, journeying from Gualtallary to San Pablo and beyond, with a focus on two subregions that deliver markedly different wines despite their proximity to each other.
Domaines Great & Small: Burgundy Interim Report
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2025
The winemakers featured in this interim Burgundy report form a vivid microcosm of today’s Côte d’Or, from icons to experimenters to rising talents. All produce compelling wines for different kinds of Burgundy drinkers, but one young winemaker in particular made a big impression.
The Mighty Ducks: 2023 Loire Valley Reds
France: Loire, featured
, Aug 2025
If there was ever a vintage where red wines from the Loire Valley were the championship underdog team, 2023 was it. Growers had every reason to throw their secateurs down and quit, but they kept their heads down and doggedly fought on. Ultimately, the perfect season isn’t always necessary to achieve good results. The 2023 vintage exemplifies that.
Cellar Favorite: 1924, 1929 & 1955 Meyney
France: Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux featured Verticals and Retrospectives, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Aug 2025
Last primeur, which already seems like ages ago, Château Meyney organised a fascinating lunch recreating a historic dinner served in 1928. Three vintages of Meyney older than any I had encountered previously were poured blind.
Tail Fin Delights: Mâconnais 2023/2024
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2025
The Mâconnais is a cradle of excellent, affordable Chardonnay in one of France’s most beautiful regions, with treasures that extend beyond just Pouilly-Fuissé. Surrounding the geologic "Cadillac tail fins" lies a trove of compelling wines waiting to be discovered.
Domaine Duroché Latricières-Chambertin 1989-2022
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2025
Following an epic Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze vertical two years ago, the same Duroché fan, Phil Clarke, organised a similar tasting that shifted attention towards another of the Domaine’s Grand Crus: Latricières Chambertin.
Barossa and Clare Valley: The Champion and the Contender
featured, Australia
, Aug 2025
The Barossa Valley has long held historic bragging rights in South Australia as the state’s most famous wine region. However, the sand is shifting, brought about by the growing confidence among Clare’s Valley winemakers to pursue a unique regional style. Barossa and Clare Valley are now both asserting themselves as fine wine regions deserving of serious attention.
Sancerre 2024: A Test of Endurance
France: Loire, featured
, Aug 2025
There’s no sugar-coating the 2024 vintage. The wines are unlikely to show the region in its best light. In a growing season defined by rain and cold, one must wonder: will Sancerre’s allure prove as weatherproof as its reputation?
Only The Stars Know: Vin Doux Naturel 1955-1995
Fortified Wines and Spirits, featured, France
, Aug 2025
Drinking a Vin Doux Naturel is like looking back in time. Philippe Gayral has devoted years of his life to this extinct genre, foraging in cellars for unremembered vats of wine from a bygone era.