Chateau Haut-Brion: A Vertical Tasting Across Nearly a Century
We were gathering in the lovely town of Zofingen to look at a span of nearly one century of Chateau Haut Brion.
Menu
Menu
We were gathering in the lovely town of Zofingen to look at a span of nearly one century of Chateau Haut Brion.
A broad look at Chambolle-Musigny 2015 and older, built around Premier and Grand Crus and tasted blind. The tasting was a good
There are few stories in Burgundy quite as extraordinary as that of Lalou Bize-Leroy. It is a story of family, ambition, conviction,
Cédric Bouchard has become one of the superstars of grower Champagne, with his Roses de Jeanne wines produced in tiny quantities and
Redefining the Zürichsee
When discussing the qualitative renaissance of the Zürichsee wine region, one name invariably comes first: Erich Meier. Over the past two decades,
Situated in the village of Jenins, one of the four historic wine-growing villages of the Bündner Herrschaft, Myriam and Johannes Lampert represent
Among serious Champagne collectors, Philipponnat occupies a unique position. It is not as globally famous as Krug, Dom Pérignon or Bollinger, yet
Domaine Leflaive: Burgundy’s White Wine Benchmark Peter Büel and Dave Gregor organized this extensive comparison of Domaine Leflaive at Restaurant Wildenmann in
Krug – The Benchmark of Grande Marque Champagne Founded in 1843 by Johann-Joseph Krug, a visionary from Mainz who settled in Champagne,
Millemann as one of Burgundy’s most intriguing insider names: a tiny, ultra-premium micro-négociant founded not by a wealthy investor or famous domaine
This tasting was organized by Peter Wirth, who sourced the bottles and Peter Büel, who organized the restaurant and us wine aficionados.
Introductory Remarks Gantenbein needs no introduction, certainly not in Switzerland, but increasingly not in fine wine circles around the world either. Over
I had the chance to be invited to a FICOFI dinner with wines form the Domaine Dugat-Py with Loïc Dugat being present
To mark the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, we set out to recreate its spirit with a blind
Whether you like it or not, in Swiss quality wine, all roads lead to Gantenbein. They were the first Swiss high quality
The Jura has, over the past two decades, moved from near-obscurity to a position of quiet prominence among sommeliers and informed drinkers.
The Vintage 2016 Ten years on, it is a pleasure to revisit Bordeaux 2016 through a serious lineup of 15 leading wines,
This blind tasting set out to compare Les Carmes Haut-Brion against the kingpins in Pessac-Léognan across recent vintages, each located within close
Vintage presentation
The tasting at Martel AG St.Gallen The opportunity to taste the newly bottled 2022s from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is always a
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
Wine heaven, we have arrived
In my book, DRC La Tâche is probably the best wine. Always on, always stunningly complex. It stands as the apogee of
Peter Büel, who has been organizing high-end tastings in Zurich for many years, is bowing out with a bang. His last two
The 2009 vintage The 2009 vintage in Champagne is remembered as generous and sunny. A cold, dry winter and a wet spring
Domaine visit
A New Chapter Begins Though the domaine traces its roots back to 1858 and has made good wine in the past, the
Domaine visit
Domaine Vincent Dancer may not be one of the oldest names in Burgundy, but over the last two decades it has increasingly
Domaine visit
After Crurated organized a splendid dinner in Zurich with Jean-Nicolas Méo, they followed it up with an opportunity to visit the domain during
Domaine visit
Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg is one of the crown jewels of Vosne-Romanée, a domaine whose finesse-driven, seductive wines have earned it a cult-like status
When you read a wine book you will learn that the main difference between a Grower champagne vs. a champagne from a
The Nahe has quietly emerged as one of Germany’s most compelling regions for dry Riesling, particularly at the Grosses Gewächs (GG) level,
Domaine visit
The last time I was in Jura the weather was capricious and the vignerons were working overtime in the field to apply
Introduction Tucked between Burgundy and Switzerland, the Jura wine region has risen from near-obscurity to become a cult favorite among sommeliers, collectors,
20 years on
The 2005 Vintage 2005 was presented as a great vintage en Primeur. The message was even better than 2000 with a more sun,
Historical Context Chambertin is probably the most prestigious name in red Burgundy right after the big names of Vosne Romanée. There is
As readers of this site know, I worked as a stagiaire on Château Haut-Bailly in 2006 during a sabbatical. Invited by a
A category to watch
My Munich based wine friend Florian Hopf (DipWSET / Weinakademiker) recently came to Zurich and hosted a German Chardonnay Masterclass for some
Château L’Évangile After St.Emilion we made our way to Pomerol to visit Château L’Évangile which sits in the middle of the Plateau
Château Angélus I was lucky to visit Château Angélus twice in the past two years. Once with the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore
Chateau Ausone I was able to visit Chateau Ausone and participate in a tailored tasting of its portfolio of wines organized by
Chateau Lafleur – a Cabernet Franc story With a vineyard spanning just 4.5 hectares, it’s a fraction the size of its neighbors
I attended an insightful tasting lunch organized by Champagne ambassador and collector Dominik Berschart who is known for his events around fine
The 2000 Bordeaux vintage stands as one of the most celebrated of the modern era, widely seen as a pivotal moment after
Domaine Matrot is one of Meursault’s longstanding family-run domaines, with a history that stretches back to 1835. They have been farming vineyards
Puligny-Montrachet is considered the most prestigious white wine village in Burgundy and commands higher prices and greater prestige than neighboring Meursault and
I was very excited when I saw an invite in the Bollinger 1829 community program to taste some of the 2024 vins
Crurated is a new kid on the block when it comes to wine merchants, but not just any new kid, a very
Château Palmer, a Third Growth in Margaux, has long been regarded as one of Bordeaux’s most revered wines after the First Growths
Max Gerstl, the pioneering importer of German Riesling and founder of Swiss wine merchant Gerstl Weinselektionen, opened his private cellar for an
This insightful tasting was hosted by the seasoned duo of Peter Büel and Dave Gregor, whose reputations as discerning wine connoisseurs precede
CHAMPAGNE, the outlier in market dynamics Champagne is economically one of most successful wine regions. LVMH, Pernod Ricard, Laurent Perrier, Artemis are
Riesling – a favorite grape variety of sommeliers and wine experts In terms of popularity and commercial success, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine visit
I had the chance to meet Alexandre Chartogne twice in the last two months. In November when “Curated” hosted a Masterclass in
Domaine visit
Champagne Huré Frères is a dynamic grower based in the village of Ludes in the Montagne de Reims, the same village where
Domaine visit
Champagne David Léclapart is a highly regarded grower-producer located in Trépail, a Premier Cru in the Montagne de Reims. Noteworthy fact, Trépail
A glass of Britannia
There are “Geek Wines” and there are “New Frontier Wines“. The difference is that geek wines, for example Assyrtiko from Greece or
Domaine visit
Last time I visited Robert Groffier was in 2017. I remember it vividly, luck had it that Jeremie Cukierman, then a freshly
Domaine visit
Domaine Bonneau du Martray is one of the most iconic names in Corton Charlemagne. The 11 ha estate has been famous for
Domaine visit
Domaine des Lambrays, is another historic and famous Burgundy estate partially due to the fact that it is is a near Monopole
Domaine visit
Among collectors Domaine Jean-Marie Fourrier is one of the most respected estates in Gevrey-Chambertin and all of Burgundy, a name that gets
Domaine visit
I visited Domaine Lafarge three times over the past two years as they did the elevage of a Hospice de Beaune auction
Domaine visit
I was really looking forward to this visit because I am very familiar with the Paul Pernot wines. Their Puligny-Montrachet Clos de
Every now and then you visit a producer that stops you in your tracks. The visit to Pierre-Vincent Girardin (PVG), based in
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
We have written a longer introductory piece on Riesling in our “Report from the road section”, see link for more details. Riesling,
star vintage with premox
The 2014 vintage for white Burgundy is celebrated for its purity and precision, often described as a “classic” vintage with excellent balance.
The dot com bubble was at its peak, the Euro just finished its first year and Bill Clinton got impeached. That was
We met on the 2nd of September at the home of one of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collectors to see how these
Cult Wineries – A Perspective In many wine regions, there is always that one producer who seems to operate on an entirely
This tasting was run two days in a row with a very similar line up at Edgar’s house, comparing Burgundy vs. famous
Chapoutier is one of the most prestigious and influential estates in the Northern Rhône, with a legacy dating back to 1808. The
Hermitage La Chapelle, named after the small stone chapel on the famous Hill of Hermitage Tain, the Northern Rhône, is one of
Jerome Huber and Remo di Marco, two friends who run a blog on wine investment podcast on Spotify organize a fun “Weinkongress”
The 2014 Burgundy vintage is famous for its white wines, which are considered among the best, if not the best, of this
Back in Fribourg at the home of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector together with the French wine critic Jean-Marc Quarin who led
A heterogeneous 52 ha terroir with 16 “climats” and over 80 producers We took an in-depth look at the Clos Vougeot appellation
The Union de Maisons de Vins de Grand Bourgogne invited about 80 journalists, wine writers and guests to a tasting event followed
Winemaker dinner
Matter of Taste is the signature event of Robert Parker. It used to be at the Dolder with a big crowd. This
2014 is a typical second tier vintage in Bordeaux. Second tier, without any inflated marketing language, but also with no false modesty
FICOFI, founded by frenchman Philippe Capdouze, is a prestigious private wine club that grants its global members exclusive access to some of
Roger Bischof from Secli Wein is one of Switzerland’s great Champagne experts, especially for Grower Champagne. He is less loud than many
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
Current Maître Claudio Solgado organized this bi-annual trip dipping into his deep Rolodex of contacts. Passee Maître Stephane Benoist was also present.
This blind tasting took place in Fribourg in the home of one of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. It included 20 vintages
Smule Elbaz, founder of Limited Cellars organizes the Paulée de Genève usually in May at the location of Chez Bacchus, Bar à
A press review of the 2022 vintage suggests we are indeed looking at an exceptional year. Despite the extreme heat and dryness
This blind tasting was hosted by a renowned Swiss collector in the Romandie, who has been organizing exclusive Bordeaux tastings for over
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz based in Valais is Switzerland’s most celebrated winemaker for whites, just like Gantenbein, based in Graubünden, is for reds. Known
100 Point Masterclass
During the Matter of Taste week end Wine Advocate hosted an insightful tasting session with a selection of wines from across the
This blind tasting over a dinner was held at Schloss Maienfeld, organized by Secli wine, Roger Bischof and Roger Zysset. As always,
Blanc de Noir cult grower
Egly-Ouriet is one of the original names who started the grower Champagne movement and today together with Selosse among the most sought
Best kept Pinot secret
So, you like the Champagne in the style of the houses, but you discovered two issues. One, the base Cuvée of the
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
FICOFI, founded by frenchman Philippe Capdouze, is a prestigious private wine club that grants its global members exclusive access to some of
La Paulée de Meursault
La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the grand
The Hospices de Beaune auction, founded in 1859, is one of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine events and the commercial part of the
Gala Dinner Clos de Vougeot
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
Vintage presentation
Markus organized us an entry to Martel’s 2019 DRC arrivage tasting with ca. 100 participants, mostly long term DRC clients. All of
Founded in 1829 in the village of Aÿ in the Montagne de Reims, Champagne Bollinger is one of the most iconic and
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Burnello di Montalcino producer Il Marroneto got onto my radar screen when their special Cuvée Madonna delle Grazie got 100 points from
Finally after a two year Covid break we were back at Edgar’s house, Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. The theme was worthy
Clos des Goisses
Philipponnat Clos has a very special place in my collection. Back in 2015, I was doing a vineyard tour with Tim Wildman,
Grower star in Ludes
Bérêche & Fils, a Champagne grower located in the Montagne de Reims, has become one of the most exciting rising stars in
During a dinner of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore, a generous member donated Magnums of 2004 Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion, Blanc de
Larmandier-Bernier is based in Vertus on the Côte des Blancs, is a pioneering grower Champagne known for its deep commitment to terroir
I met Peter Gago, wine maker of Penfolds Grange, a few times when he was in Singapore. The first encounter was during
1979-2006 Complete vertical
After Covid the yearlong Covid hibernation in Singapore one of Asia’s largest collector organized this fabulous «revenge tasting» at his home. What
I am always on the look out for non-Burgundy Pinot Noir that can excite me. Until now very few names convinced me,
Pearl of Burgundy, PoB, Hong Kong organized this wonderful tasting with Etienne Grivot present and ex Domaine Magnums and bottles just before
1989-2017
A Singapore based collector, known for his deep, five digit bottle cellar and a particular passion Pierre Morey’s wines organized this terrific
During the Singapore lock down, still proud today about it, I was among the very first in the country that organized a
Château Cheval Blanc needs no introduction as it is one of the most revered names in Bordeaux with its exceptional terroir at
30 years in large formats
Rene Gabriel, well known Swiss wine journalist and Bordeaux authority organized this wonderful horizontal tasting dinner in Luzern. It was great to
The 1994 vintage stands as one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated, defined by its balance, finesse, and extraordinary longevity. A near-perfect growing
Meursault Perrières Premier Cru is often considered the crown jewel of Meursault’s vineyards, a lieu-dit that performs at a level rivaling Burgundy’s
We met with some serious collectors of the Confrerie de Chevalier de Tastevin over two dinners to cherish bottles from our cellars
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is one of the most revered names in the Northern Rhône and a benchmark for Syrah-based wines worldwide. Based
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy PoB, organized a series of dinners and Lunches
Magnum dinner
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy PoB, organized a series of dinners with wine
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy (PoB) organized this dinner with 3 generations of
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
Back in Fribourg with Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. This night we took a look at Chateau Latour. Hard to pick a
Now here is an interesting story. Les Carmes Haut Brion is a Chateau in Pessac-Leognan that was not so well known. Good
In China, there is a World pre-covid and there is one post-Covid. They do not resemble each other at all. Du to
This dinner was staged by a collector friend over a Chinese New Year dinner in Singapore with lots of experienced Burg lovers
The owners of Pearl of Burgundy (PoB) staged this amazing dinner together with Pierre Duroché. Not only did we taste a large
Domaine Jean-Marc Millot is a small Burgundy estate, now led by Jean-Marc’s daughter, Alix Millot. Alix Millot took over the winemaking and
Domain Lamarche’s claim to fame of course comes from the Monopole vineyard “La Grand Rue“ which lies between Romanee Conti, La Tache
For his birthday, a former Maitre of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and a few more friends and members staged this wine dinner
Vintage Presentation
This annual DRC arrivage tasting was organized by Martel St.Gallen, the official DRC merchant of German Switzerland. Ca. 60 participants, seated tasting,
This Masterclass under the title The “Bad Boy” is Back – Chateau Valandraud was held druing the Wine Advocate “A matter of
Domaine Dujac has become one of the high end / pricey Burgundy wines in a tier with names like Meo, Cathiard, Rouget,
One of my merchants organized a visit to Domaine Faiveley when I was in Burgundy last summer. Impressive facilities (newly built). Also
This was one of the bi-monthly tasting events organized by Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector at his personal Carnozet. As usual, all
Domaine des Comtes Lafon is one of Burgundy’s most esteemed white wine estates, renowned for producing some of the finest Meursault. Founded
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
with Robert Parker
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
Vintage Presentation
The annual DRC arrivage tasting was organized by Martel St.Gallen, the official DRC merchant of German Switzerland, with ca. 60 participants, mostly
In fall 2006 when I was a stagiere at Chateau Haut Bailly, Jean Guillaume Parts, then General Manager of Chateau Cos d’Estournel
The term ‘once in a life time’ is certainly overused today but this tasting qualifies – for any wine-buff. It was staged
This tasting was organized by Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector who has been organizing 6 major Bordeaux tastings per year for many
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, located in the heart of Tuscany. This appellation is exclusively dedicated
Magnum Match Play
I invited 15 friends (all well versed wine drinkers but with different levels of wine knowledge) for a birthday summer BBQ dinner
A 2-day private tasting & tutorial session with Australian wine expert Tim Wildman, MW. The first day we did a “State of
This was a very special masterclass presented by Luisa Rocca from the estate during Wine Advocate’s Matter of Taste in Singapore. When
The next day after the Trotanoy dinner 3rd generation owner Edouard Moueix hosted a Dominus Masterclass as part of the Wine Advocat’s
My Bordeaux island wines from each side of the Gironde are Chateau Latour and Chateau Trotanoy. The later is managed by the
Visit and dinner at the Chateau organized by the French wine journalist Jean-Marc Quarin (www.quarin.com) for a group of collectors from the
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply called Pichon Lalande, is one of the most celebrated Second Growths of Bordeaux, classified
Sassicaia is the first Super Tuscan wine, with its inagural vintage released in 1968 by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at Tenuta
This wine needs an introduction, but not the one you expect. Italy, Spain and France are the three big gorillas in global
I met Veronique Sanders, President of Chateau Haut Bailly during a Tasting with Atherton wine Taipei in early 2006 together with her
We were gathering in the lovely town of Zofingen to look at a span of nearly one century of Chateau Haut Brion.
A broad look at Chambolle-Musigny 2015 and older, built around Premier and Grand Crus and tasted blind. The tasting was a good
There are few stories in Burgundy quite as extraordinary as that of Lalou Bize-Leroy. It is a story of family, ambition, conviction,
Cédric Bouchard has become one of the superstars of grower Champagne, with his Roses de Jeanne wines produced in tiny quantities and
Redefining the Zürichsee
When discussing the qualitative renaissance of the Zürichsee wine region, one name invariably comes first: Erich Meier. Over the past two decades,
Situated in the village of Jenins, one of the four historic wine-growing villages of the Bündner Herrschaft, Myriam and Johannes Lampert represent
Among serious Champagne collectors, Philipponnat occupies a unique position. It is not as globally famous as Krug, Dom Pérignon or Bollinger, yet
Domaine Leflaive: Burgundy’s White Wine Benchmark Peter Büel and Dave Gregor organized this extensive comparison of Domaine Leflaive at Restaurant Wildenmann in
Krug – The Benchmark of Grande Marque Champagne Founded in 1843 by Johann-Joseph Krug, a visionary from Mainz who settled in Champagne,
Millemann as one of Burgundy’s most intriguing insider names: a tiny, ultra-premium micro-négociant founded not by a wealthy investor or famous domaine
This tasting was organized by Peter Wirth, who sourced the bottles and Peter Büel, who organized the restaurant and us wine aficionados.
Introductory Remarks Gantenbein needs no introduction, certainly not in Switzerland, but increasingly not in fine wine circles around the world either. Over
I had the chance to be invited to a FICOFI dinner with wines form the Domaine Dugat-Py with Loïc Dugat being present
To mark the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, we set out to recreate its spirit with a blind
Whether you like it or not, in Swiss quality wine, all roads lead to Gantenbein. They were the first Swiss high quality
The Jura has, over the past two decades, moved from near-obscurity to a position of quiet prominence among sommeliers and informed drinkers.
The Vintage 2016 Ten years on, it is a pleasure to revisit Bordeaux 2016 through a serious lineup of 15 leading wines,
This blind tasting set out to compare Les Carmes Haut-Brion against the kingpins in Pessac-Léognan across recent vintages, each located within close
Vintage presentation
The tasting at Martel AG St.Gallen The opportunity to taste the newly bottled 2022s from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is always a
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
Wine heaven, we have arrived
In my book, DRC La Tâche is probably the best wine. Always on, always stunningly complex. It stands as the apogee of
Peter Büel, who has been organizing high-end tastings in Zurich for many years, is bowing out with a bang. His last two
The 2009 vintage The 2009 vintage in Champagne is remembered as generous and sunny. A cold, dry winter and a wet spring
Domaine visit
A New Chapter Begins Though the domaine traces its roots back to 1858 and has made good wine in the past, the
Domaine visit
Domaine Vincent Dancer may not be one of the oldest names in Burgundy, but over the last two decades it has increasingly
Domaine visit
After Crurated organized a splendid dinner in Zurich with Jean-Nicolas Méo, they followed it up with an opportunity to visit the domain during
Domaine visit
Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg is one of the crown jewels of Vosne-Romanée, a domaine whose finesse-driven, seductive wines have earned it a cult-like status
When you read a wine book you will learn that the main difference between a Grower champagne vs. a champagne from a
The Nahe has quietly emerged as one of Germany’s most compelling regions for dry Riesling, particularly at the Grosses Gewächs (GG) level,
Domaine visit
The last time I was in Jura the weather was capricious and the vignerons were working overtime in the field to apply
Introduction Tucked between Burgundy and Switzerland, the Jura wine region has risen from near-obscurity to become a cult favorite among sommeliers, collectors,
20 years on
The 2005 Vintage 2005 was presented as a great vintage en Primeur. The message was even better than 2000 with a more sun,
Historical Context Chambertin is probably the most prestigious name in red Burgundy right after the big names of Vosne Romanée. There is
As readers of this site know, I worked as a stagiaire on Château Haut-Bailly in 2006 during a sabbatical. Invited by a
A category to watch
My Munich based wine friend Florian Hopf (DipWSET / Weinakademiker) recently came to Zurich and hosted a German Chardonnay Masterclass for some
Château L’Évangile After St.Emilion we made our way to Pomerol to visit Château L’Évangile which sits in the middle of the Plateau
Château Angélus I was lucky to visit Château Angélus twice in the past two years. Once with the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore
Chateau Ausone I was able to visit Chateau Ausone and participate in a tailored tasting of its portfolio of wines organized by
Chateau Lafleur – a Cabernet Franc story With a vineyard spanning just 4.5 hectares, it’s a fraction the size of its neighbors
I attended an insightful tasting lunch organized by Champagne ambassador and collector Dominik Berschart who is known for his events around fine
The 2000 Bordeaux vintage stands as one of the most celebrated of the modern era, widely seen as a pivotal moment after
Domaine Matrot is one of Meursault’s longstanding family-run domaines, with a history that stretches back to 1835. They have been farming vineyards
Puligny-Montrachet is considered the most prestigious white wine village in Burgundy and commands higher prices and greater prestige than neighboring Meursault and
I was very excited when I saw an invite in the Bollinger 1829 community program to taste some of the 2024 vins
Crurated is a new kid on the block when it comes to wine merchants, but not just any new kid, a very
Château Palmer, a Third Growth in Margaux, has long been regarded as one of Bordeaux’s most revered wines after the First Growths
Max Gerstl, the pioneering importer of German Riesling and founder of Swiss wine merchant Gerstl Weinselektionen, opened his private cellar for an
This insightful tasting was hosted by the seasoned duo of Peter Büel and Dave Gregor, whose reputations as discerning wine connoisseurs precede
CHAMPAGNE, the outlier in market dynamics Champagne is economically one of most successful wine regions. LVMH, Pernod Ricard, Laurent Perrier, Artemis are
Riesling – a favorite grape variety of sommeliers and wine experts In terms of popularity and commercial success, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine visit
I had the chance to meet Alexandre Chartogne twice in the last two months. In November when “Curated” hosted a Masterclass in
Domaine visit
Champagne Huré Frères is a dynamic grower based in the village of Ludes in the Montagne de Reims, the same village where
Domaine visit
Champagne David Léclapart is a highly regarded grower-producer located in Trépail, a Premier Cru in the Montagne de Reims. Noteworthy fact, Trépail
A glass of Britannia
There are “Geek Wines” and there are “New Frontier Wines“. The difference is that geek wines, for example Assyrtiko from Greece or
Domaine visit
Last time I visited Robert Groffier was in 2017. I remember it vividly, luck had it that Jeremie Cukierman, then a freshly
Domaine visit
Domaine Bonneau du Martray is one of the most iconic names in Corton Charlemagne. The 11 ha estate has been famous for
Domaine visit
Domaine des Lambrays, is another historic and famous Burgundy estate partially due to the fact that it is is a near Monopole
Domaine visit
Among collectors Domaine Jean-Marie Fourrier is one of the most respected estates in Gevrey-Chambertin and all of Burgundy, a name that gets
Domaine visit
I visited Domaine Lafarge three times over the past two years as they did the elevage of a Hospice de Beaune auction
Domaine visit
I was really looking forward to this visit because I am very familiar with the Paul Pernot wines. Their Puligny-Montrachet Clos de
Every now and then you visit a producer that stops you in your tracks. The visit to Pierre-Vincent Girardin (PVG), based in
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
We have written a longer introductory piece on Riesling in our “Report from the road section”, see link for more details. Riesling,
star vintage with premox
The 2014 vintage for white Burgundy is celebrated for its purity and precision, often described as a “classic” vintage with excellent balance.
The dot com bubble was at its peak, the Euro just finished its first year and Bill Clinton got impeached. That was
We met on the 2nd of September at the home of one of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collectors to see how these
Cult Wineries – A Perspective In many wine regions, there is always that one producer who seems to operate on an entirely
This tasting was run two days in a row with a very similar line up at Edgar’s house, comparing Burgundy vs. famous
Chapoutier is one of the most prestigious and influential estates in the Northern Rhône, with a legacy dating back to 1808. The
Hermitage La Chapelle, named after the small stone chapel on the famous Hill of Hermitage Tain, the Northern Rhône, is one of
Jerome Huber and Remo di Marco, two friends who run a blog on wine investment podcast on Spotify organize a fun “Weinkongress”
The 2014 Burgundy vintage is famous for its white wines, which are considered among the best, if not the best, of this
Back in Fribourg at the home of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector together with the French wine critic Jean-Marc Quarin who led
A heterogeneous 52 ha terroir with 16 “climats” and over 80 producers We took an in-depth look at the Clos Vougeot appellation
The Union de Maisons de Vins de Grand Bourgogne invited about 80 journalists, wine writers and guests to a tasting event followed
Winemaker dinner
Matter of Taste is the signature event of Robert Parker. It used to be at the Dolder with a big crowd. This
2014 is a typical second tier vintage in Bordeaux. Second tier, without any inflated marketing language, but also with no false modesty
FICOFI, founded by frenchman Philippe Capdouze, is a prestigious private wine club that grants its global members exclusive access to some of
Roger Bischof from Secli Wein is one of Switzerland’s great Champagne experts, especially for Grower Champagne. He is less loud than many
History La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the
Current Maître Claudio Solgado organized this bi-annual trip dipping into his deep Rolodex of contacts. Passee Maître Stephane Benoist was also present.
This blind tasting took place in Fribourg in the home of one of Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. It included 20 vintages
Smule Elbaz, founder of Limited Cellars organizes the Paulée de Genève usually in May at the location of Chez Bacchus, Bar à
A press review of the 2022 vintage suggests we are indeed looking at an exceptional year. Despite the extreme heat and dryness
This blind tasting was hosted by a renowned Swiss collector in the Romandie, who has been organizing exclusive Bordeaux tastings for over
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz based in Valais is Switzerland’s most celebrated winemaker for whites, just like Gantenbein, based in Graubünden, is for reds. Known
100 Point Masterclass
During the Matter of Taste week end Wine Advocate hosted an insightful tasting session with a selection of wines from across the
This blind tasting over a dinner was held at Schloss Maienfeld, organized by Secli wine, Roger Bischof and Roger Zysset. As always,
Blanc de Noir cult grower
Egly-Ouriet is one of the original names who started the grower Champagne movement and today together with Selosse among the most sought
Best kept Pinot secret
So, you like the Champagne in the style of the houses, but you discovered two issues. One, the base Cuvée of the
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
FICOFI, founded by frenchman Philippe Capdouze, is a prestigious private wine club that grants its global members exclusive access to some of
La Paulée de Meursault
La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the grand
The Hospices de Beaune auction, founded in 1859, is one of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine events and the commercial part of the
Gala Dinner Clos de Vougeot
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
Vintage presentation
Markus organized us an entry to Martel’s 2019 DRC arrivage tasting with ca. 100 participants, mostly long term DRC clients. All of
Founded in 1829 in the village of Aÿ in the Montagne de Reims, Champagne Bollinger is one of the most iconic and
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Where to start… if someone puts together a 4-day blind tasting of 200 Grand Cru Burgundies of the vintage 2000 that features
Burnello di Montalcino producer Il Marroneto got onto my radar screen when their special Cuvée Madonna delle Grazie got 100 points from
Finally after a two year Covid break we were back at Edgar’s house, Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. The theme was worthy
Clos des Goisses
Philipponnat Clos has a very special place in my collection. Back in 2015, I was doing a vineyard tour with Tim Wildman,
Grower star in Ludes
Bérêche & Fils, a Champagne grower located in the Montagne de Reims, has become one of the most exciting rising stars in
During a dinner of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore, a generous member donated Magnums of 2004 Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion, Blanc de
Larmandier-Bernier is based in Vertus on the Côte des Blancs, is a pioneering grower Champagne known for its deep commitment to terroir
I met Peter Gago, wine maker of Penfolds Grange, a few times when he was in Singapore. The first encounter was during
1979-2006 Complete vertical
After Covid the yearlong Covid hibernation in Singapore one of Asia’s largest collector organized this fabulous «revenge tasting» at his home. What
I am always on the look out for non-Burgundy Pinot Noir that can excite me. Until now very few names convinced me,
Pearl of Burgundy, PoB, Hong Kong organized this wonderful tasting with Etienne Grivot present and ex Domaine Magnums and bottles just before
1989-2017
A Singapore based collector, known for his deep, five digit bottle cellar and a particular passion Pierre Morey’s wines organized this terrific
During the Singapore lock down, still proud today about it, I was among the very first in the country that organized a
Château Cheval Blanc needs no introduction as it is one of the most revered names in Bordeaux with its exceptional terroir at
30 years in large formats
Rene Gabriel, well known Swiss wine journalist and Bordeaux authority organized this wonderful horizontal tasting dinner in Luzern. It was great to
The 1994 vintage stands as one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated, defined by its balance, finesse, and extraordinary longevity. A near-perfect growing
Meursault Perrières Premier Cru is often considered the crown jewel of Meursault’s vineyards, a lieu-dit that performs at a level rivaling Burgundy’s
We met with some serious collectors of the Confrerie de Chevalier de Tastevin over two dinners to cherish bottles from our cellars
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is one of the most revered names in the Northern Rhône and a benchmark for Syrah-based wines worldwide. Based
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy PoB, organized a series of dinners and Lunches
Magnum dinner
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy PoB, organized a series of dinners with wine
During the 2017 en Primeur week, Hong Kong based wine merchant, Pearl of Burgundy (PoB) organized this dinner with 3 generations of
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture.
Back in Fribourg with Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector. This night we took a look at Chateau Latour. Hard to pick a
Now here is an interesting story. Les Carmes Haut Brion is a Chateau in Pessac-Leognan that was not so well known. Good
In China, there is a World pre-covid and there is one post-Covid. They do not resemble each other at all. Du to
This dinner was staged by a collector friend over a Chinese New Year dinner in Singapore with lots of experienced Burg lovers
The owners of Pearl of Burgundy (PoB) staged this amazing dinner together with Pierre Duroché. Not only did we taste a large
Domaine Jean-Marc Millot is a small Burgundy estate, now led by Jean-Marc’s daughter, Alix Millot. Alix Millot took over the winemaking and
Domain Lamarche’s claim to fame of course comes from the Monopole vineyard “La Grand Rue“ which lies between Romanee Conti, La Tache
For his birthday, a former Maitre of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and a few more friends and members staged this wine dinner
Vintage Presentation
This annual DRC arrivage tasting was organized by Martel St.Gallen, the official DRC merchant of German Switzerland. Ca. 60 participants, seated tasting,
This Masterclass under the title The “Bad Boy” is Back – Chateau Valandraud was held druing the Wine Advocate “A matter of
Domaine Dujac has become one of the high end / pricey Burgundy wines in a tier with names like Meo, Cathiard, Rouget,
One of my merchants organized a visit to Domaine Faiveley when I was in Burgundy last summer. Impressive facilities (newly built). Also
This was one of the bi-monthly tasting events organized by Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector at his personal Carnozet. As usual, all
Domaine des Comtes Lafon is one of Burgundy’s most esteemed white wine estates, renowned for producing some of the finest Meursault. Founded
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
with Robert Parker
I was able to attend a 3-day private event in Napa, co-organized by a company together with the Wine Advocate. There were
Vintage Presentation
The annual DRC arrivage tasting was organized by Martel St.Gallen, the official DRC merchant of German Switzerland, with ca. 60 participants, mostly
In fall 2006 when I was a stagiere at Chateau Haut Bailly, Jean Guillaume Parts, then General Manager of Chateau Cos d’Estournel
The term ‘once in a life time’ is certainly overused today but this tasting qualifies – for any wine-buff. It was staged
This tasting was organized by Switzerland’s most prolific Bordeaux collector who has been organizing 6 major Bordeaux tastings per year for many
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, located in the heart of Tuscany. This appellation is exclusively dedicated
Magnum Match Play
I invited 15 friends (all well versed wine drinkers but with different levels of wine knowledge) for a birthday summer BBQ dinner
A 2-day private tasting & tutorial session with Australian wine expert Tim Wildman, MW. The first day we did a “State of
This was a very special masterclass presented by Luisa Rocca from the estate during Wine Advocate’s Matter of Taste in Singapore. When
The next day after the Trotanoy dinner 3rd generation owner Edouard Moueix hosted a Dominus Masterclass as part of the Wine Advocat’s
My Bordeaux island wines from each side of the Gironde are Chateau Latour and Chateau Trotanoy. The later is managed by the
Visit and dinner at the Chateau organized by the French wine journalist Jean-Marc Quarin (www.quarin.com) for a group of collectors from the
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply called Pichon Lalande, is one of the most celebrated Second Growths of Bordeaux, classified
Sassicaia is the first Super Tuscan wine, with its inagural vintage released in 1968 by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at Tenuta
This wine needs an introduction, but not the one you expect. Italy, Spain and France are the three big gorillas in global
I met Veronique Sanders, President of Chateau Haut Bailly during a Tasting with Atherton wine Taipei in early 2006 together with her
