July 26, 2022 - Antonio Galloni
Lalou Bize-Leroy's 2019s are off the charts. Even in 2019, a year marked by several pronounced heat spikes, the wines capture tremendous expression of site. From the village wines all the way to the top Grand Crus, the 2019s are simply breathtaking for their grandeur and sheer personality.
July 26, 2022 - Angus Hughson
The annual release of the Penfolds collection is unusual in that it does not have a single vintage focus and spans a number of years thanks to the different aging requirements for the wines. This year’s key releases range from 2018 to 2021, each vintage with their own impactful conditions. The bookends are both marvelous, yet very different vintages. The only-recently bottled 2022 Riesling provides a first look at this generally milder vintage.
July 21, 2022 - Neal Martin
Bruno Borie asked how many vintages of Ducru-Beaucaillou I wanted to taste. My default reply is: As many as you are happy to open. An epic vertical tasting deserves an epic article, and this duly delivers, delving into the estate’s history, the Borie family, its viticulture and winemaking, all with in-depth contributions from Bruno Borie himself.
July 19, 2022 - Antonio Galloni
This year’s releases from Chianti Classico are a bit of a mixed bag. Most of that is attributable to the natural diversity of this large appellation and the unevenness of the 2019s. Even so, there are a lot of gorgeous wines in this report, many of them entry-level Chianti Classicos that offer superb quality for the money. As always, this report focuses on Chianti Classico, but also includes wines from neighboring appellations.
July 20, 2022 - Alessandro Masnaghetti
In this excerpt from his book Chianti Classico: The Complete Atlas of the UGA Vineyards, Alessandro Masnaghetti examines the new UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive), Chianti Classico’s version of place names, with historical background, in-depth information on soils and detailed maps for each UGA, plus a deep dive into the Lamole UGA.
July 14, 2022 - Vinous
The first installment of our annual Rosé coverage kicked off with an in-depth look at the wines of Italy, and our second installment focuses on wines from all over including France, Spain, the United States and more. Readers will find a wide range of Rosés to suit any occasion. Watch this space as we add more choices from our team of editors in the coming weeks.
July 12, 2022 - Neal Martin
As Burgundy prices soar to unprecedented levels, alternatives such as the Côte Chalonnaise are becoming more important. Wine lovers considering the region for the first time will find that it has much to offer.
July 22, 2022 - Neal Martin
The Waterside Inn is everything that one could wish for. Not only with the standard of cuisine, exquisite as it is, but the service, ambiance and without question, the setting.
June 24, 2022 - Neal Martin
If you are seeking old school glamour. If you want to dine in a place with historic legacy. If you are not on a diet. If you want to escape the humdrum and seek a slice of razzamatazz. If you can tie a Windsor knot, then I recommend The Ritz.
June 17, 2022 - Neal Martin
Overall, Royal China Club delivers high-class cuisine with minimal fuss and impressive execution. Despite its location in the heart of London, it manages to conjure the ambiance of a local restaurant.
90 points ($15)
The 2021 Bianco Regaleali is remarkably pretty with white flowers, ripe peaches, candied citrus and hints of wet stone. Soft textural orchard fruits cascade across a core of zesty acidity and salty minerals. A balance of sweet and sour keeps the finale fresh. (EG)
92 points ($18)
The 2021 Hinter der Mauer, 80% Gruner and 20% Riesling, is a white of uncommon depth, especially at its price point. Scents of pear, jasmine, mint and lemon confit lend nuance to a classy, polished wine that overdelivers big time. A long, clean finish rounds things out in style. (AG)
90 points ($25)
The 2021 Purple Rose is layered, bright and expressive, with soft contours wrapped around a core of brisk Sangiovese fruit. Pretty floral accents lift the finish. All the elements are so nicely balanced in this creamy, tasty Rosato from Castello di Ama. (AG)
July 22, 2022 - Neal Martin
Winemaker Matt Day, together with co-proprietor Hans Astrom, flew from South Africa recently to present a rare vertical tasting of their Vin de Constance that included the forthcoming 2019 vintage.
July 18, 2022 - Neal Martin
Over the last few months, I have been drinking quite a few bottles from Domaine Henri Germain. Winemaker Jean-François Germain has really ratcheted up quality in recent years thanks both to the pedigree of his family’s holdings and his conscientious approach. Germain still flies a little under-the-radar, and though prices are increasing, you can still find their wines on restaurant lists at reasonable cost, just as I did with this bottle at Noizé in London.
July 11, 2022 - Antonio Galloni
“Would you like to taste some older wines?” Luca Martini di Cigala asks as he starts to open bottles for our recent tasting of new releases. Over the years, I have been fortunate to taste complete verticals of both Percarlo and La Ricolma, along with many other wines at the ten-year mark.