Blog Index

Richard Betts

A Shot Across the Bow: Ranking Wine Service Around the World

Posted: 11:55 AM ET, 12/28/07

According to the United Airlines website, I managed to complete 83 segments and fly 135,000 miles in 2007. This doesn’t include those on American, Southwest, Mexicana, Qantas, Air Dolomiti and Lufthansa. That’s a fair bit of travel and, naturally, one needs to eat along the way. Read more

James Suckling

The Christmas Spirit

Posted: 05:17 PM ET, 12/26/07

I had to laugh at myself yesterday as I sat down to Christmas lunch in Palm Springs, Calif., with my 99-year-old grandmother, mother, stepfather, sister, brother-in-law and nephew. We had a beautiful turkey with all the trimmings, but there wasn't a good bottle of wine to be found in the house!

My nephew, who works for Wally’s wine shop in Westwood, said that he was bringing wine for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Read more

Harvey Steiman

Oregon 2007, an Early Look

Posted: 04:12 PM ET, 12/26/07

Rain fell on the vines in Oregon back in September and October, dampening spirits as the grapes got close to ideal ripening. But then, as the vintage finished and the vintners tasted what they had fermented, they reported surprising results.

I could almost hear them wiping their brows with relief as they talked over the phone or responded to my e-mails with enthusiasm for the wines. Read more

James Molesworth

And to Be Fair, a Few Candy Canes as Well

Posted: 03:21 PM ET, 12/26/07

After a few lumps of coal last week, I thought I’d turn back to being cheery and hand out a few candy canes this week.

First, a candy cane to those vintners embracing an organic approach to their vineyards. From numerous vignerons in the Loire (far too many to name individually) to Viñedos Orgánicos Emiliana, the organic arm of Chile’s massive Concha y Toro operation, organic vineyard practices are now seemingly the norm as opposed to a minority. Read more

James Laube

Debt, Doubts and New Year's Resolutions

Posted: 01:17 PM ET, 12/21/07

I made it. At least I think I did. I won’t know for sure until the credit card statement arrives in January. But I think I succeeded with one of my annual holiday goals: avoiding starting the new year with debt, or at least with heavy debt.

Debt is one theme I’ll take up in the next few days with my now grown up children. Read more

Harvey Steiman

A Skeptical Look at Biodynamics

Posted: 12:23 PM ET, 12/21/07

Some of the world's greatest winemakers say that biodynamics is the secret behind their wines. The list of those who profess to practice this approach to vine-growing is impressive, to be sure. Their number includes Leroy, Leflaive, Zind-Humbrecht, Coulée de Serrant, Huët and Chapoutier in France. Read more

James Laube

Schrader Turns to Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Posted: 11:15 AM ET, 12/21/07

One of Napa Valley's Cabernet icons, Fred Schrader, formerly of Colgin-Schrader Cellars and now the proprietor of Schrader winery, is venturing into the Pinot Noir business. His Cabernets have risen to the top in Napa Valley, and he and his winemaker, Thomas Brown, think 2006 will be the best vintage yet for their To-Kalon Cabernets. Read more

James Molesworth

A Few Lumps of Coal

Posted: 10:17 AM ET, 12/20/07

With the way this year has sped by for me, I better take a look back on 2007 now, as surely the next two weeks will go in a blink. Consider it a rant if you wish, but one 12 months in the making ... Today I hand out a few lumps of coal.

First up: Burgundy. Read more

James Laube

Sizing Up the California Wine Scene

Posted: 02:30 PM ET, 12/19/07

A reader recently asked how big the big wine companies are in California and how much wine they make and how they dominate the market.

If you want to guess, go ahead right now … either cases or percentage of total wine, because in a couple of sentences I’ll give you a few answers and insights. Read more

James Suckling

Thoughts on My 2005 Bordeaux Tasting

Posted: 10:37 AM ET, 12/19/07

I have to say that I am glad it is over. I finished tasting all my samples of 2005 Bordeaux last Friday and spent the weekend in Paris not thinking about Bordeaux. In fact, I drank mostly Beaujolais during my free time with friends in restaurants and at parties. Read more

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