By David Porter on 29/06/2017
Brilliant Vintage Wines At harvest time in 2015, the shippers were all talking about ‘Vintage quality’ and fairly sure that there would be a general 'declaration' - but then came the impressive 2016 in the cellars too, and a decision had to be made about which to declare. Both really are very good indeed.
By David Porter on 09/06/2017
Louis Roederer is one of the very best of the Grande Marque Champagne producers. Perhaps most famous for its uber cuvée Cristal – the house’s real focus, however, is the Brut Premier. Made by the same team with the same principals in the cellar as its famous stablemate, this is a pure pleasure to drink.
By David Porter on 11/05/2017
'En Rama' style sherry is something we have championed since it first hit the market 8 years ago when Gonzales Byass released their fabulous, limited release Tio Pepe - straight from the barrel. 'En Rama' is the purest, least 'mucked-about-with' wine you can get your hands on, a rare chance to taste wines straight from the barrel just as the cellar master finds it.
By David Porter on 06/05/2017
Famed oenologist Carlo Ferrini who consults for some of the greatest estates in Tuscany has finally put his expertise - and his heart and soul - into his own winery in Montalcino. The results, as you would hope, are sensational. Not sensational in a big 'in your face way' - these are beautifully crafted, fine wines with a deft touch.
By David Porter on 25/11/2016
For many, Californian Wine means one thing – the big, rich, bold style – fruit-laden whoppers embodied most often by the wines from the Napa valley – but after 10 days hard study and exploration along the dramatic coastline of this beautiful state, we have learnt lots and there is great variety for those looking for more.
By David Porter on 19/10/2016
With the emergence of new wine regions in the southern hemisphere came the freedom to grow what you wanted in terms of what grape variety you planted and what you called your wine. Things changed slowly as ‘Chablis’ from Australia was clobbered by the wine authorities and you can no longer grow ‘Sauternes’ in Livermore County, California.
By David Porter on 20/09/2016
Pre-shipment Offer A sticky start to the week with two outstanding Sweet Wines released already! Although at very different ends of the price spectrum, in terms of history, quality and reputation, these two have a surprising amount in common.
By David Porter on 20/07/2016
[caption id="attachment_21141" align="alignright" width="349"] Rippon’s Nick Mills surveys his vines running down to the impossibly beautiful Lake Wanaka[/caption] Rippon and Felton Road are without question the two leading vineyards in New Zealand’s undisputed Pinot Noir capital - Central Otago. Both are making elegant, intense Pinots with beautiful finesse.
By David Porter on 15/06/2016
'Time to wake up to the joys of Pessac-Léognan, because this appellation nailed it in 2015. Forever playing the bridesmaid to Pauillac or Saint Julien, but never the bride, Pessac-Léognan should be one of the first areas of Bordeaux at which you look.' Neal Martin, www.
By David Porter on 13/06/2016
Château Montrose is out this afternoon with the price ambitiously set at £570 per 6-pack. Their second wine - Dame de Montrose is also out, yours for £145 per 6-pack. We had an interesting tasting at the Châteaux of these wines.
By David Porter on 09/06/2016
In what promises to be a busy day on Bordeaux's 'place', things have started briskly. The biggest name so far is CHÂTEAU COS D'ESTOURNEL 2ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe (£1250). This is quite toppy and it's hard not to see Pichon Baron as a more compelling buy if it was a choice of 'one or the other' at this level.
By David Porter on 19/05/2016
The dismal day here in London yesterday was somewhat mirrored by the dispiriting news from Bordeaux that they are not really getting the message on pricing! There were several releases that we would like to get excited about - some good wines - but they are as ever, only interesting en primeur at the right price.