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2012 Bordeaux En Primeur Report and full list of Scores and Notes

2012 Bordeaux En Primeur Report and full list of Scores and Notes

2012 BORDEAUX VINTAGE REPORT A teaser to the property which has made my top wine in 2012! I spent five days this week in Bordeaux tasting the 2012 vintage and I was very impressed with the best wines.  While they are not in the same league .. more

The Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification 2013

The Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification 2013

It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of Tyson Stelzer and my The Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification for 2013.  Please click on the text below to open a two page A4 pdf which you can print out. The Great New Zealand .. more

Winner of the Journalist Award 2013 – Portuguese Wine Awards

Winner of the Journalist Award 2013 – Portuguese Wine Awards

I was delighted to be awarded this Journalist Award last night at the Potuguese Embassy.  Many thanks to all concerned for a lovely dinner and a joyous evening.

2011 Burgundy En Primeur Thoughts, Scores, Recommended Merchants and QPs

2011 Burgundy En Primeur Thoughts, Scores, Recommended Merchants and QPs

2011 Burgundy En Primeur Thoughts The hoo-hah surrounding the 2011 Burgundy vintage has finally abated and I am delighted to bring you my thoughts.  Before you read on though, please pick up your phone to your favourite merchants and order as many of your favourite .. more

2011 Bekkers, Syrah, McLaren Vale, South Australia – first taste

2011 Bekkers, Syrah, McLaren Vale, South Australia – first taste

A quick post on a wondrous bottle of wine which Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers posted to me this week.  There is no doubt that the packaging and feel of this wine is sublime.  I love the gravitas of the label and the subtle logo.  In .. more

The Great Australian Red 2012 – the blend that defines Australia – The Results

The Great Australian Red 2012 – the blend that defines Australia – The Results

This year’s competition was nothing short of phenomenal.  Please click on this file (the words below this sentence) to open up and print the full list of results. The Great Australian Red Results 2012 The list of Judges this year Chairman Michael Hill-Smith – Shaw & .. more

Essential reading for every man over the age of forty

Essential reading for every man over the age of forty

This timely and well-written piece is essential reading for every single man over the age of 40.  I had my 45th birthday a few weeks ago so I am taking his advice!  I would like to thank my great wine trade pal for sharing it .. more

My new book jacket for 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates – on sale October 2012

My new book jacket for 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates – on sale October 2012

2011 Bordeaux Report and Full List of Scores & Notes

2011 Bordeaux Report and Full List of Scores & Notes

It’s worth pointing out that I don’t believe what I read in the early reports concerning Bordeaux’s en primeur releases each year, preferring to go there myself and experience the whole palaver first hand.  If I had believed the doom mongers this year I probably .. more