Château Siran 1918-2008
France: Bordeaux, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Jun 2020
The Margaux appellation is home to several châteaux that are upping their game. This article focuses on one of those, Château Siran, with a vertical tasting that looks back over a century.
Argentina's White Wine Revolution
featured, Argentina
, Jun 2020
In the spiritual homeland of Malbec, many of the most innovative new wines being produced today are white. One might be forgiven for thinking that winemakers are being deliberately contrary; however, over the past decade and a half, underneath wave after wave of reds, a revolution has been simmering away quietly. Chardonnays and Sémillons are now being produced that are every bit as good as some of the best Malbecs in the country.
Germany 2018: The Nahe – Leading by a Nose
featured, Germany
, Jun 2020
There is a lot to like from 2018 in Germany: both multiple attractive features and a lot of wines to exemplify them. And then there are the exceptions, including the vintage’s genuinely exciting Rieslings, of which, yet again, many are found on the Nahe.
What Should We Be Doing Now?
featured, General Interest
, Jun 2020
As the world grapples with several major crises, the outlook for the future has never been less certain. Things change from day to day, often unpredictably. Beyond what is obvious from reading headlines full of stories on the COVID-19 pandemic, major economic duress and racism, it is clear the current situation is causing levels of stress and anxiety that are hard to quantify, but that are clearly exerting a heavy toll. “I have real misgivings about promoting my wines right now given what is going on in the world” numerous industry professionals have told me. “Is wine really all that essential?” others have asked. Well, these are my thoughts…
The Good, Bad and Ugly: Burgundy 2010, 2003 & 2004
France: Burgundy, featured
, Jun 2020
Three snapshot tastings of mature Burgundy vintages, 2003 and 2004 reds and 2010 whites, served as a reminder that whilst some vintages repay cellaring, others can remain “ugly ducklings”.
Exploring Northern Rhône Whites
France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured
, May 2020
The hot growing conditions that defined the 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages in the Northern Rhône show in the white wines, but the best examples also offer a good bit of energy to counterbalance their richness and ripeness. Simply put, the whites here have never been better, while the top bottlings are easily some of the world’s finest wines.
Vintage Retrospective: The 2010 Napa Valley Cabernets
featured, Verticals & Retrospectives, United States: California
, May 2020
The Vinous vintage chart rates 2010 as the top vintage for Napa Valley Cabernet between 1991 and 2013. As my recent retrospective tasting showed, the 2010s are overdelivering on their early promise.
'Tis the Season for Rosato
featured, Italy
, May 2020
It’s time to think pink, especially as the weather warms and we long for those lazy summer afternoons poolside or at the grill. With all of the regions that produce Rosé throughout Italy, the big question is: What are the differences between all of the styles of Rosé that are available today? This year's Rosato Report showcases the top performers, as well as giving insights into the 2019 vintage.
Hopes and Dreams: Canon Chaigneau 1998-2019
France: Bordeaux, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, May 2020
The impact of COVID-19 is not evenly spread across society, nor across wine estates. Imagine you were on the cusp of buying a small Bordeaux château when suddenly the world is in lockdown. What happens then? This is the story of Canon Chaigneau.
Denis Durantou 1957-2020
featured, Vinous Remembers
, May 2020
Vines never mourn the passing of a winemaker. They stay rooted to the ground, oblivious to the loss. Without a moment’s pause they burst into life for another year, another vintage. L’Eglise-Clinet is no exception. However this year those vines will bear fruit without the man to whom they are indebted, Denis Durantou. After months of illness, Durantou finally succumbed last Friday - a winemaker gone far too soon. Pomerol will never quite be the same again.