Domaine de la Cotelleraie, 2019 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil “Les Perruches”
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine de la Cotelleraie, 2019 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil “Les Perruches”
Aurélien Revillot, 2020 Bourgueil ‘Les Aubuis’
Commentary and analysis of the Aurélien Revillot, 2020 Bourgueil ‘Les Aubuis’
Le Petit Saint-Vincent (Dominique Joseph), 2017 Saumur-Champigny ‘Les Clos Lyzières)
Commentary and analysis of the Le Petit Saint-Vincent (Dominique Joseph), 2017 Saumur-Champigny ‘Les Clos Lyzières’
Domaine des Frères, 2021 Chinon ‘Les Moulins de Beau Puy’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine des Frères, 2021 Chinon ‘Les Moulins des Beau Puys’
Domaine Guiberteau, 2018 Saumur Rouge ‘Les Arboises’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine Guiberteau, 2018 Saumur Rouge ‘Les Arboises’
Patrick Baudouin, 2017 Anjou Rouge ‘La Fresnaye’
Commentary and analysis of the Patrick Baudouin, 2017 Anjou Rouge ‘La Fresnaye’
My Most Memorable Cabernet Francs of 2023
A look back on 2023. It was a busy one! Busy in the best possible way. Here is a round up of some of my most memorable wines and experiences from this year.
Domaine du Bel Air, 2018 Bourgueil ‘Clos Nouveau’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine du Bel Air, 2018 Bourgueil ‘Clos Nouveau’
Domaine Grosbois, 2017 Chinon ‘Clos du Noyer’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine Grosbois, 2017 Chinon “Clos du Noyer”
Domaine des Roches Neuves, 2020 Saumur-Champigny “Franc de Pied”
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine des Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain), 2020 Saumur-Champigny “Franc de Pied”
Age-Worthy Loire Valley Cabernet Franc and the Myth of the “Great” Vintage
When an exceptional vigneron is working with a high quality site/vineyard for Cabernet Franc, vintage is not something I concern myself with as it relates to the inherent quality of the finished wine. In my opinion, a wine of very good quality will be produced from these top sites in the hands of a top vigneron in ANY vintage.
Domaine Philippe Alliet, 2018 Chinon ‘L’Huisserie’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine Philippe Alliet, 2018 Chinon ‘L’Huisserie’
Wine Dinner - Commanderie de Bordeaux Mexico City
In May I was invited to lead a wine dinner for the Commanderie de Bordeaux chapter in Mexico City. Naturally the theme of the dinner was Cabernet Franc, and I had the pleasure to present and showcase some of the top examples from Bordeaux and the Loire.
Domaine Filliatreau, 2001 Saumur-Champigny “Vieilles Vignes”
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine Filliatreau, 2001 Saumur-Champigny “Vieilles Vignes”
Domaine de la Chevalerie, 2015 Bourgueil ‘Les Galichets’
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine de la Chevalerie, 2015 Bourgueil ‘Les Galichets’
Domaine Xaiver et Agnès Amirault, 2019 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil “Les Gravilices”
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine Xavier et Agnès Amirault, 2019 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil “Les Gravilices”
Domaine des Closiers, 2020 Saumur-Champigny “Les Closiers”
Commentary and analysis of the Domaine des Closiers, 2020 Saumur-Champigny “Les Closiers”
An Evening at Chambers in NYC
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chambers in Manhattan - the post-pandemic reincarnation of Racines NY, which existed in the same space. The food, hospitality and vibe exceeded my expectations. But let’s be serious here. I went to Chambers for the wine list.
Manoir de la Bellonnière, 2020 Chinon ‘Les Battereaux’
Commentary and analysis of the Manoir de la Bellonnière (Patrice et Alexandre Moreau), 2020 Chinon ‘Les Battereaux’
Aurélien Revillot, 2018 Bourgueil “Sur Les Hauts”
Commentary and analysis of the Aurélien Revillot, 2018 Bourgueil “Sur Les Hauts”