Columns — Winemaking Philosophy

Realm Cellars

⚜️ Realm Cellars and the New Reality: Why Napa's Cabernet Now Reigns Supreme

A modern sommelier's take on the shifting hierarchy of the fine wine world. Discover why Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon, exemplified by producers like Realm Cellars, has arguably surpassed its traditional Bordeaux benchmark, combining French expertise with American perfectionism.

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Japanese wine

🇯🇵 Japan’s Hidden Wine Scene Gewürztraminer like Savagnin and Pinot Gris like Red Wine

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.

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Using these wines as an example, I would like to reflect on the best winemakers in their class

💰 Price, Palate, or PR? How to Define the "Best Winemaker" in the World

A sommelier’s essential guide to defining the "best" in winemaking: evaluating the influence of price, critical study, and expert opinion. The article features insights on master producers like Olivier Collin (Champagne), Jean-Yves Bizot (Burgundy), and Louis-Michel Liger-Belair (Pinot Noir aristocracy).

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🚨 Hype or Heritage? Unmasking the 'Tino Kuban' Phenomenon & The Winemaker's Character

🚨 Hype or Heritage? Unmasking the 'Tino Kuban' Phenomenon & The Winemaker's Character

An explosive sommelier investigation into the character of winemakers and the quality of their wine, focusing on the highly-hyped German producer Tino Kuban. We blind-tasted his Pinot Noir L’Ouverture 2020 and Gamay La Leux 2021, comparing them to classics and asking: is his fame driven by PR and hype or true terroir? Featuring a tasting with the team from Gresca Bar in Barcelona.

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