Huge fan of this producer Frank Cornelissen. 60-year old Mount Etna vines serving up yet another promising natural wine. Shouty green tannins amidst a well balanced, medium bodied red. A comforting, velvety and powerful aromatic nose. Sit with this and it will continue to open and unfold its many layers. Eat with a simple tomato pasta, lamb chops, or nothing at all. Versatile, vehement and Italian; what else do you want? — 6 years ago
Saturday afternoon in Copenhagen and back on the Rieslings. This number from Alsace is the perfect early afternoon, no-food-pairing-needed wine. Respectful on the palate; light, lemony, dry. Leaves a lingering, oily slip around the mouth; a welcome runway for a simple pasta aglio e olio, if one was inclined. Easy and delicious; and sometimes, easy and delicious is all we need. — 6 years ago
Like biting into a freshly cut pineapple, straight from the fridge. A friendly, approachable Chardonnay with a light air of maturity introduced by a hint of oak. Otherwise, a young, bright, dry, Frenchman that leaves the faintest lick of green tannins inside your cheeks. The perfect plus one at all summer BBQs. — 5 years ago
Since reaching my third decade on this planet, I feel it’s only right to graduate to Sherry. How content I am to be introduced to this smooth talking goat from Valdespino - one of Spain’s oldest Sherry producers. Gold, cloudy and unfiltered. Hold up to the light to discover flecks of pink rose and lime around the edge. A wise nose possessing orange peel, menthol, vanilla essence and grandmas underwear drawer. A spectacular drop, that summons you to drink and think more slowly. I guess that’s why the old birds love it. Pour yourself a Sherry and slow down my friends. — 5 years ago
Dear Natural Wine; I’ve been on your case for some time. Calling you weak, unpredictable, unbalanced; essentially, that you have no future. Although this remains true for some of you, I’m so pleased to find there’s hope, in Mount Etna. This 2014 vintage from 90+ year old vines is calling bullshit on my, well, bullshit; this dry, rich, punchy young gun has so much potential you could even cellar for a few years and he’d still come out with jazz hands. Encore! — 6 years ago
Ever bitten into a fresh apple while laying in a bed of crisp white sheets? Either have I. But this wine tastes like what I assume that smells and feels like. I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to German Rieslings and this is no exception; well balanced and enough acidity to pair with a variety of cheeses and fatty charcuterie. I’d introduce this fella to friends and family any day of the week. — 6 years ago
Hungary - no wonder the nectar from Tokaji grapes are mentioned in your National Anthem. Yes, I did my research, after this slick, juicy, drop had me weak at the knees. Well balanced acidity paired with a medium bodied concentration, you’ll feel as if a delicate lick of butter, watermelon and lime is shimmying its way across all corners of your mouth - find where it visited by following the tingling tracks with your tongue. Anthropomorphism would unveil a suave talking Eastern European man called Ambrus, who’d need no introduction. Not to your parents, your friends, your dog, nor your gold fish. This, he too, knows. Green, steady eyes, tanned skin, a strong will, and a smile that’s so good, it’s cruel. A man they’d all love, but would hate you to date. Someone who’d stroke your head, but look to the horizon. A man that enjoys all company, but has no plan to stay around. That’s perfect - too much of a good thing is arduous. Drink up, and look forward to introducing Ambrus, to people yet to know his charm. — 5 years ago
Like spotting that unassuming girl next door on a weekday afternoon with flowers in her hair. Suddenly in that Wednesday afternoon light she seems different; you get that feeling like you’ve underestimated something valuable - all these years - that maybe you could like her, have been liking her all along. Through the beauty of time - simple has become attractive and the familiar feels fleeting. The you-know-me and I-could-bring-you-anywhere-and-people-would-love-you reality draws you closer. You wish you didn’t like simple. Didn’t like the obvious smell of strawberries and ocean breeze. Wish you hadn’t traveled around the world, only to look out your window and see your future, but you did, and you do. — 6 years ago
Georgina McDonald
Green, full-bunched, stemmy nose. Refreshing on a red. Interested to explore the versatility of Zweigelt and other Austrian grape varieties. Light to medium bodied with some young strawberries and a little grip - showing the ability to cellar. Would like to try again in a couple of years. — 5 years ago