Columns

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).

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.

A sommelier’s deep dive into a rare Burgundy comparative tasting, contrasting the styles of master vintners like Roumier, Ponsot, Pitiot, Faiveley, and Perrot-Minot across the highly-acclaimed 2010, 2009, and 2005 vintages. The article features reviews of iconic wines from Clos de Tart and Clos de la Bussière.

One of the most important questions for winemaker for me has always been why he makes the wine the way he does, and what he ultimately focuses on. I think this is the foundation of foundations in any direction of art, and wine in this case is certainly no exception.