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Nebbiolo Shines in Alto Piemonte, Carema & Valtellina
Italy: Piedmont, featured
, Jun 2023
It’s an exciting time to explore the small appellations that make up Northern Italy’s Alto Piemonte, Carema and Valtellina districts. There was a period, not too long ago, when many wines in these regions were either lackluster or muddled by overly pushed winemaking that obscured terroir. Outstanding wines were very much the exception rather than the rule. That has changed dramatically in recent years through a combination of dynamic young estates that have brought tremendous energy to the mix and older, more established names also raising the bar. Quite simply, I have never tasted more riveting, breathtaking wines from these appellations than I have over the last six months or so.
The Harvest in Chile: A Two-Sided Vintage
Chile, featured
, May 2023
The 2023 harvest in Chile had two very different sides, depending on location. For most, it was a hot, dry year marred by forest fires in the south, from Maule to BioBio. Producers will remember 2023 as a vintage where the greatest conundrum was deciding the right time to pick.
Burgundy Focus 4: Ponsot’s Clos de la Roche & Morey Monts Luisants 1934-2019
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, May 2023
To celebrate 150 years of ownership, last May the Ponsot family hosted an extraordinary double vertical of their Clos de la Roche and white Monts Luisants back to the 1930s. This in-depth report examines the roles various family members have played in creating Burgundy as we know it today and reveals some ethereal wines.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors: New Rosé Releases
France, Spain, Austria, featured, Italy
, May 2023
Rosé has never been as exciting as it is today. This year's Rosé coverage takes an in-depth look at the wines of Italy, France, Spain, the United States and Austria. Recent tastings unveil a stunning array of regional styles and flavors. Watch this space as we add more selections from our team of editors in the coming weeks.
Champagne: The 2023 Spring Preview
featured, France: Champagne
, May 2023
Champagne is one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Change and innovation continue at an increasingly fast pace. Many of the most coveted wines now command Burgundy-like premiums, a relatively recent phenomenon here. There’s a lot more going on beyond the obvious, though, and plenty to explore.
Paso Robles: Boundless Diversity
featured, United States: California
, May 2023
There’s real momentum and energy that can be felt in Paso Robles. Even through the struggles of drought, heat and smoke, the best producers have found a way to prevail. Paso is a region geared to surpass consumer expectations, with a broad range of varieties, world-class wines and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and wine lovers alike.
The 2023 Harvest in Argentina: Throwing Out the Playbook
featured, Argentina
, May 2023
The 2023 season was uneven, marked by frosts, extreme heat and more unpredictable weather caused by the La Niña phenomenon. To succeed this year, producers had to throw out the playbook and improvise.
You’re Unbelievable: Bordeaux 2022
featured, France: Bordeaux
, May 2023
This year’s en primeur report examines the anatomy of 2022 in Bordeaux, highlighting the vintage’s strengths and the potential future legends, yet not ignoring the caveats. This is a complex and intellectually-rewarding vintage that could rewrite the rules of the growing season and what wines to expect.
Burgundy Focus 3: Mugnier’s Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru 2007-1980
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, May 2023
This unique vertical of Frédéric Mugnier’s Musigny Grand Cru offered a chance to examine one of Burgundy’s most sought-after wines back to vintages that predate his arrival. In this instance, going back through time was not unlike witnessing someone unlearning their skill and experience.
2022 Bordeaux En Primeur: Balance Imbalance
featured, France: Bordeaux
, May 2023
The 2022s are some of the most memorable young wines I have ever tasted in Bordeaux. The best 2022s are magnificent, viscerally thrilling wines that show what is possible with thoughtful approaches to viticulture and winemaking. A number of properties at all levels made their best wines ever. But 2022 is not consistently great from top to bottom, so some selection is warranted.