The face of a man who works tirelessly in the vineyard. Thomas also just returned from a market visit to Japan, and headed straight to the Les Penitentes tasting, an off-fair in Angers during the St Jean de Greniers and Salon de la Loire. After the meager allocation of the 2015 and 2016 vintages, andContinue reading “The fabulous 2017 Chablis by Thomas Pico”
Tag Archives: Chardonnay
Organic Chardonnay from Limoux
The Languedoc region is vast, and we tend to forget the pockets of cooler climes such as Limoux, a region whose bottled-fermented sparkling precedes even fine Champagne. It appears that viticulteurs here have been silently working one some fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines that are sold all over France, but almost unheard ofContinue reading “Organic Chardonnay from Limoux”
Coche Dury, perhaps the finest white wine in the world
There is a place, somewhere off the beaten path, which we are unable to divulge. This restaurant is owned by a chef and avid wine collector, who for many years traveled to Burgundy and Champagne to find vinous jewels. This is where I first came across a Coche Dury, and realized there is no otherContinue reading “Coche Dury, perhaps the finest white wine in the world”
Domaine Robert Denogent, Maconnais
To quote from legendary U.S. wine importer Kermit Lynch “I consider the whites of the region, Macon, Saint Veran, and Pouilly Fuisse, to be proper white Burgundies. Here we have similar soils, the grape is Chardonnay, and the difference between the appellations are no more than passionately interesting questions of personality. Deciding whether to serveContinue reading “Domaine Robert Denogent, Maconnais”
Kumeu River, Auckland, New Zealand
Kumeu River is one of the 10 or 12 estates we started off with in 2013. Year in year out, their wines, starting from the village and going all the way to the top with Mate’s Vineyard, are compelling in their own right. Frankly, it is also their relatively low price for fine Chardonnay, thatContinue reading “Kumeu River, Auckland, New Zealand”
A gift of gold
The village of Meursault ranks among the 3 most illustrious names for white Burgundy (Chardonnay) with Puligny Montrachet and neighboring Chassagne Montrachet. While there aren’t any Grand Cru vineyards the very best 1er crus are distinctive with fatness, richness and nutty-butteriness. Surely on the top of every collector’s favorite will be Coche Dury or Comte Lafon, knownContinue reading “A gift of gold”
Domaine de la Cadette, Vezelay, Burgundy
In 1989 I was lucky enough to have traveled to Marc Meneau’s Esperance in Vezelay – then one of France’s top dining destinations with 3 Michelin stars. I suppose everyone visiting this part of Burgundy will have remembered the restaurant, and quickly forget the name of the town. Not because it’s insignificant, but the restaurant was located several kilometers belowContinue reading “Domaine de la Cadette, Vezelay, Burgundy”
Interview Michael Brajkovich, Kumeu River Wines
Name: Michael Brajkovich Winery: Kumeu River Wines Town/Country: Kumeu, New Zealand Which spot in your vineyard is the most special and why? At the top of the Hunting Hill vineyard there is a very good view of Mate’s Vineyard, and out to the West, the Waitakere Ranges. It’s beautiful and it’s a reminder of whatContinue reading “Interview Michael Brajkovich, Kumeu River Wines”
Billecart Salmon Grande Cuvee 1996
A classy but poised Champagne which begins to have secondary aromas. Unfortunately this bottle was enjoyed with other 9 people and there was no time for this massive Champagne to open up in the glass. Not sure there will be another chance! In this group, environment only 4 stars, expected more, but maybe it gotContinue reading “Billecart Salmon Grande Cuvee 1996”
What is the best Champagne alternative while in Thailand?
While living in New York and working at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, I came across Schramsberg at many occasions. Must admit though, that I have never bought a single bottle, despite it being the wine of choice at White House’s state functions. And the reason was simple! Entry-level French Champagne costs only a few dollars more!Continue reading “What is the best Champagne alternative while in Thailand?”