Winedr

Fizz from Francois Pinon

Chris Kissack — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:57:27 +0000

It’s been a while since I caught up with the fizzy Vouvrays of François Pinon. Here are notes on two older (but not old – good sparkling Vouvray can age just as well as the tranquille stuff!) bottles from the cellar. Having said that, these two seem to be on a plateau at best. François [...]

Loire Misunderstood #1: Herbaceousness

Chris Kissack — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:05:04 +0000

It was only yesterday that I came across a curious opinion on the wines of the Loire. Where I came across it, and what that opinion was isn’t important (right now, anyway) but it started me thinking about other beliefs that exist regarding these wines. Some beliefs make perfect sense, but I could also think [...]

Pierre Gaillard, 2011 Vintage

Chris Kissack — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:35:09 +0000

I’ve already written up a couple of Gaillard wines this year, led by the delicious 2012 Condrieu from Pierre Gaillard, and also this week’s ‘Weekend Wine’, an appealing 2012 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah from Pierre’s daughter, Jeanne. Here are notes on three other wines recently tasted, all barrel samples sent over to the UK: Pierre Gaillard [...]

Sauternes #6: Chateau Lafaure-Peyraguey 2007

Chris Kissack — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:02 +0000

Take a straw poll of favourite Sauternes vintages and I suspect 2001 will come high up the list, and it would most probably come out on top. It is certainly one of mine, and this is why I have been featuring many wines from 2001 recently. Next, we might have 2009, 2010 or 2011. Although [...]

Decanter Judging: Grand Variety

Chris Kissack — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:41:49 +0000

Wednesday was another day of judging on behalf of Decanter, on the Decanter World Wine Awards, and sadly this was my last day here this year, as I have commitments on Thursday and Friday that I simply can’t break. That’s a shame, as the Loire judging led by Jim Budd is continuing on for another [...]

Decanter Judging: Sauvignon City

Chris Kissack — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:17:41 +0000

Today was a good day judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards. I think the strongest feature of these awards is the regional focus, and I always judge on the Loire panel. And always intend to, for as long as they keep inviting me back, anyway. Today’s panel was a strong one; pictured below are [...]

Decanter Judging, Bordeaux 2012

Chris Kissack — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:17:13 +0000

If it’s April, and the primeurs have passed, then it must be time for Decanter World Wine Awards judgng. Indeed it is, so I’m heading down to London today for a few days judging on the Loire panel, with Jim Budd (pictured below) and no doubt one or two other Loire-knowledgeable tasters. I really enjoy [...]

Bordeaux with Bill

Chris Kissack — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:39:28 +0000

I’m cracking on with writing up Bordeaux 2012 notes this weekend. As the campaign already seems to be gathering pace, a pace which is sure to pick up over the coming week, I have decided to jump forward to some of the major communes of the right bank, skipping the wines of the Haut-Médoc, Moulis, [...]

Beaujolais and Beyond

Chris Kissack — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:24:08 +0000

I’m delighted that Clare Harris of Beaujolais and Beyond recently got in touch, eager to send some samples my way. Clare and her father Roger Harris are the ultimate in Beaujolais specialists, and have a handsome list of wines from this appellation, and from the Beaujolais crus too of course, as well as other wines [...]

A Trip with SmoothRed

Chris Kissack — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:34:13 +0000

I’m delighted to announce that later this year I will be leading my first trip to Bordeaux, working with one of my current advertisers SmoothRed. Ths trip will be in October 2013, although the exact dates are not set. Neither, in fact, is the itinerary. I suggested we include Château Haut-Bailly (pictured below), but I [...]