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Northern Mendoza: Velvet Comes Back into Fashion
Argentina, featured
, Apr 2025
Not so long ago, Argentine reds were turning heads for their mixture of rich flavors and velvety textures. The heartland of that velvet era was Luján de Cuyo. In this new stage of development, the velvet has returned, only this time accompanied by more modern wine styles. From Luján to Primera Zona and the East, this report focuses on over 300 superb sun-kissed wines from the north of Mendoza.
Grape Expectations: Burgundy 1978 Retrospective
Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Burgundy, featured
, Apr 2025
It was a privilege to attend this 1978 horizontal—however, there is always a risk when broaching old bottles, especially Pinot Noir from an era besmirched by swings in quality. Fortunately, scattered among the disappointments is a clutch of bottles that sparkle like rubies in the sand.
McLaren Vale: Pushing the Envelope of Refinement
featured, Australia
, Apr 2025
There are few better places in Australia to discover cutting-edge wines than McLaren Vale. Formerly a key home for large-scale commercial winemaking, McLaren Vale has transformed into a base for artisanal, terroir-driven winemakers with an increasing focus on single-vineyard wines of distinction. The 2022 vintage in particular offers insights into an exciting future.
Buy Some, Try Some: Beaujolais 2022-2024
France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured
, Apr 2025
At a point when savvy wine consumers are seeking value for their money, there has never been a better time to get into Beaujolais. This report takes a look at new releases, mainly from the 2023 vintage, the best of which demonstrate the underestimated heights these wines can reach.
Pinball Number Count: Bouchard Père 1923-2013
Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Burgundy, featured
, Apr 2025
The second edition of Bouchard Père & Fils’ time travels through their enviably deep library comprised a number of vintages ending in the number “three,” all served blind at the domaine’s headquarters in Beaune. This tasting revealed a clutch of remarkable bottles from forgotten vintages.
English Still Wine: Much Promise, Much Afoot
featured, Rest of the World
, Apr 2025
Though eclipsed by the success of English sparkling wine, English still wine has come a long way from the meagre image of yesteryear. What has happened in the past decade is remarkable: Climate change, increased growing expertise and the exploration of new regions have made all the difference. With a track record of excelling in cool and marginal climes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are undoubtedly the stars. These two chameleons shine on this Sceptred Isle. Much is afoot.
The Brutal Beauty of Sardinia: The 2022 and 2023 Vintages
featured, Sardinia, Italy
, Apr 2025
Sardinia continues to thrive despite a climate that is searingly hot and incredibly dry. Navigating the region isn’t easy, as the island can seem like a continent due to its size, but the effort is certainly rewarding. Between its compelling native varieties, diverse terroir and high concentration of skilled winemakers, Sardinia is positioned for greatness.
Middle East Update: Lebanon and Syria
featured, Lebanon, Rest of the World
, Apr 2025
Complex histories, diverse terroirs and a mix of international and native varieties shape the distinctive wines of Lebanon and Syria. While Lebanon's winemaking industry is well-established, Syria’s remains far less developed. This report highlights and closely examines 12 recent releases from Château Musar, Château Marsyas, Château Kefraya and Domaine de Bargylus.
2025 Champagne: New Releases
featured, France: Champagne
, Apr 2025
My annual March trip to Champagne is always one the highlights of the year. Many producers are preparing to launch their new releases. At the larger houses, this is the time when winemakers are finalizing their blends and deciding whether or not they are going to bottle their tête de cuvées. With spring around the corner, thoughts start to turn to the young vintage and what it might bring. This year, things were different. Deep concerns about the global economy cast a pall on every tasting. That’s a shame, because Champagne continues to be one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
Cellar Favorite: A Landmark Vintage – Henschke 2021
Australia Featured, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Australia
, Apr 2025
Henschke is one of the most historic wineries in Australia, known for unforced wines that showcase their various terroirs. The annual Henschke release is a true vintage snapshot of Eden Valley.