Category Archives: Wine Producers

Paul Pontallier – An Appreciation

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Tim Hall

Paul Pontallier, who died aged 59 from cancer this week, was a towering figure in wine. Partly because he was Director (‘regisseur’) of Chateau Margaux, but beyond that, because he embodied a healthy and rational counterpoint to the view that … Continue reading →

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A Piece of Cakebread

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Tim Hall

Bruce Cakebread was in London to show off his Chardonnays. Not exactly a piece of cake. This is premium Napa, with history and form, founded in 1973 in Oakville-Rutherford, a name which makes the winelover’s heart beat quicker. Except that’s … Continue reading →

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Nature’s Cred in Truth and RAW

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Tim Hall

My impression at the Real Wine Fair in March and this weekend’s RAW Artisan Wine Fair, both in London, is that the standard of wine-making at both of these shows, open to trade and consumers alike, has markedly improved.  I suspect … Continue reading →

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Terroir Back at the Ranch

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Tim Hall

If cheddar cheese, which is mostly made in factories, was marketed in the UK with some vague references to a gorge near Cheddar in Somerset, implying it came from near there, there would be an outcry.  But in wine this … Continue reading →

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Less is Moines – A Good Savennières

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Tim Hall

You’ll be familiar with the wine snobbery pecking order of white grapes.  I don’t know why anyone puts up with it but it goes like this.  The top grape is Riesling.  You may find it hard going but you will … Continue reading →

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Bordeaux You Can Bank On

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Tim Hall

The recent very good vintages of 2005, 2009 and 2010, the feeding frenzy of Asia for top claret and a very average 2011 which is overpriced, have left many claret fans scratching their heads.  Most of those august chateaux that could be had … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Bodega Somonte

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Tim Hall

I’ve always found Spain the most mysterious European country. Don’t ask me why, but it has got something to do with driving alone across seemingly vast and spectacular landscapes to visit wine producers.  The cops can be pretty scary too.  I am … Continue reading →

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Minervois La Livinière – Causse You’re Worth It

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Tim Hall

Paradise is cool spring mornings in the Languedoc. Last week, visiting Minervois wine, I swopped the usual cicadas and heat for near-alpine smells of damp garrigue, the savage scenary of the Petit Causse limestone and gneiss hilltops dappled in pale sun and winemakers relaxed … Continue reading →

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The Blau Danube – Tasting Austrian Red Wine

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Tim Hall

The decline in admiration and desire for serious wine engagement in the UK is typified by how little most people, even those who profess a love of wine, know or care about Austrian wine.  Even inside the ark of connoisseurship, Austrian wine shares cinderella … Continue reading →

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Carmenère, the Grape Surprise

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Tim Hall

In 1994, one of the wine world’s more fascinating discoveries (I know we should get out more) took place: a huge amount of what was thought to be Merlot planted in Chile was in fact Carmenère.  That’s another grape variety, not … Continue reading →

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