Wine of the Day

Laurent Ponsot Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvée de l’Aulne 2016 Laurent Ponsot is “a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will” if I may borrow the famous expression from the John Wick movies. Wine lovers owe the Frenchman a great debt. Fraudsters, on the other hand, have a lot to fear of the …

Schloss Johannisberg Spatlese 2001 I visited more than 15 years ago. Schloss Johannisberg has a winemaking history going back 1,200 years. Since 1720, only Riesling has been cultivated on the estate. In their 11th Century cellar, the oldest bottle is 1748. Located in the village of Hessen, nearby is the city of Geisenheim, home …

Domaine d’Ardhuy Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Clous Premier Cru 2015 This relatively young estate took roots in 1947 when Gabriel d’Ardhuy met his future wife Eliane Andre at a harvest. Their union gave birth to the domaine and seven daughters. The sisters perpetuate the goals and aspirations of their parents. Domaine d’Ardhuy’s …

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020 This is the Sauvignon Blanc that first put New Zealand on the world map. So much so the country became – wine wise anyway – synonymous with the French Loire variety (and later –  to a lesser degree – with Pinot Noir). Cloudy Bay is …

Domaine Grande Bellane Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Cuvée Sans Soufre or “No Sulphur” 2019* Organically grown and without sulphur. Perfume of violets that seems endless. Dark – but still very primary – red/blue fruits including raspberries, berries and cherries. Intense, sweet natural ripeness of fruit. Equally ripe, rich tannins. Sensational fruitiness. Syrah (75%) Grenache (25%) blend. Winery advises to decant …

Clandestine Grenache 2015* Many Southern Rhone varieties were planted in Australia a long time ago. Most, unfortunately, were yanked out in favour of Shiraz as that Northern Rhone variety became more fashionable. Even today, Grenache does not carry the same cache as Syrah. Those who kept the faith are finally being rewarded. …

Mirae Sparkling Rice Wine This innovation is from Shaoxing, China. Whereas traditional Shaoxing Rice Wine is aged and light to dark brownish is colour, Mirae is colourless, spritzy, refreshing and medium-sweet. It tastes more like a Japanese Sake. The fruitiness reminds of winter melon. The burst of soft bubbles helps …

Domaine Maurice Tremblay Chablis 2018  Pure unoaked Chablis is Chardonnay unplugged. This domaine wine is loaded with intense lime/lemon/Granny Smith appley fruit. The limestone/chalk minerality is fresh, persistent and round.  Medium plus bodied. Over delivers BIG TIME! Most of today’s consumers simply gravitate to the more southerly Cote d’Or at the …

Patrick Javillier Les Clousots Meursault 2012 Patrick Javillier is one of the greatest producers of Meursault. A benchmark white Burgundy that you measure others against. I am utterly grateful to Ignatius Chan, Founder/Proprietor of Iggy’s the restaurant – one of the most knowledgeable persons in the world about Burgundy – …

Jean-Luc Colombo Terres Brulees Cornas 2016 Stephane Soret cooked and served this at lunch yesterday. It paired brilliantly with the aubergine in tomato sauce, baked sliced potatoes and a huge piece of steak sprinkled with herbs. Jean-Luc Colombo is a much respected producer. The oenologist also cooks. Wife Anne – …