Columns — Merlot

Le Pin may be one of Bordeaux’s youngest blue‑chip wines, but its story – from improvised barrel fermentations to Robert Parker‑driven cult status – has already become modern legend. A vertical tasting only confirmed that this tiny Pomerol remains a meticulous, no‑compromise benchmark with no truly “bad” vintages, only badly stored bottles.

A deep dive into the unexpected excellence of Japanese winemaking, beginning in Hokkaido. This sommelier report features tasting notes from the insider-favorite French Panda wine bar in Sapporo, highlighting unique expressions of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Zweigelt from cutting-edge producers like Kamisato Vineyard, Domaine Mont, Takahiko Soga, and Domaine Bless.