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Once Upon a Time – Soldera Retrospective: 1977-2017
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Jun 2024
It remains one of the greatest tastings I have ever been a part of, either as an attendee or a host. Forty-six wines, all of them in superb shape. Even wines from smaller or less well-known vintages were sublime. Not a single bottle was corked or oxidized. The memories from this retrospective of Gianfranco Soldera’s wines will last forever.
Archive Away: Mature Burgundies 1919-2019
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, France: Burgundy
, Jun 2024
Every year, I round up all the stray bottles of Burgundy and publish them in a single article. This year’s edition is the customary eclectic array of wines stretching back over decades, from feted recent vintages to others best forgotten, from legendary producers to “Who?”
Unveiling the Diverse Palette of Sicily: New Releases and Beyond
Italy: Center & South, featured
, Jun 2024
Sicily has impressed me over the last decade, surpassing expectations and proving its worth in the grand scheme of Italian wine. My recent trip reconfirmed that the region's forward momentum is far from over, from the simple yet wonderfully pure weeknight quaffers to the highest levels of fine wine from Mount Etna. Through it all, I get the feeling that this is just the beginning of Sicily’s rise.
Quinta do Noval: Latest Releases
Portugal, featured
, Jun 2024
This brief article updates readers on new releases from Quinta do Noval and Romaneira, including the latest Naçional, plus a smattering of older vintages back to a 62-year-old Crusted Port.
Desert Island Dinner: 1961 Pomerol in Excelsis
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Jun 2024
All wine lovers have their fantasy tasting. I’m lucky that several of mine came true. But I never thought that one day I’d taste the trinity of 1961 Pomerols side-by-side: Petrus, Lafleur and Latour à Pomerol. This is the story of an extraordinary evening where a dream came true…almost.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022: Bring It On
France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured
, Jun 2024
After getting a good glimpse at the 2022 vintage while visiting other Rhône appellations last year, I was eager to see how Châteauneuf-du-Pape performed in a growing season marked by heat, drought and hail. The short answer is that 2022 is a very good vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, clearly surpassing 2021 for the reds, though likely not at the same level as 2020. Overall consistency for reds in 2022 is higher than in 2021, and there are plenty of excellent wines cruising in an affordable price range.
It’s All in the Name: Domaine Pierre Vincent
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, France: Burgundy
, Jun 2024
Pierre Vincent is one of the most talented winemakers working in Burgundy. After producing a raft of great wines at Domaine de la Vougeraie and then Domaine Leflaive, Vincent is about to embark upon a new chapter in his career, the 2023s representing the maiden vintage of wines under his own name.
Aerika Estate: The Prologue
featured, United States: California
, Jun 2024
Over the years, I have been fortunate to see many projects get off the ground in Napa Valley. Founded by Rob Black and Julia van der Vink, Aerika Estate is one of the most exciting and promising new ventures I have seen in Napa Valley in some time.
A Century of…Fours
France: Bordeaux, featured, South Africa, France: Burgundy
, Jun 2024
Century of Fours examines vintages ending in four and adds historical context via a parallel timeline of the FA Cup Finals from 1904 to 2014. It is two journeys through time for the price of one.
The Bewildering 2024 Season in Argentina
Argentina, featured
, Jun 2024
The 2024 vintage, despite being one of the warmer ones, presents wines with distinct fruit flavors, vibrant colors and juicy freshness in its reds. While the exact reasons remain unclear, both barrel samples and winemaker reports suggest this trend. This report explores hypotheses to understand the uniqueness of the 2024 vintage.