An article on JancisRobinson.com criticizes recent coverage of Champagne’s 2009 harvest. Annual wine sales at big box stores in France bring out “legions&# of consumers. SPIT: Bling champagne. An unnamed source cites declines of 50-85% in champagne sales with pricey stuff hit hardest. SPIT: reporting on Champagne. MORE >>

did one year in the army, it was an obligation in France at the time. JMF: Well, I had become critical of my culture. Jean-Marie Fourrier of Domaine Fourrier was in town recently for the big La Paulée event and I was honored to spend a few hours talking with him one morning. Denis. But I didn't ask a lot of questions of people. MORE >>

Two weeks ago Sam Sifton, the new NY Times restaurant critic reviewed the new addition to the Daniel Bouloud empire , DBGB. I'm Sorry: I did a careless and irresponsible thing, and I want to say that I'm sorry. The Yankees were dominated in the first game of the world series last night. had no beer to bring, so I brought wine. MORE >>

Yet many respected wine critics are against natural wine, and even some winemakers famed for their natural winemaking practices agree there may be limits to how “natural” a wine should go. First she travels to France to meet with pioneer Nicolas Joly, whom she calls the ‘Deepak Chopra” of wine dynamics. Naked Wine by Alice Feiring. MORE >>

To my knowledge, chenin blanc reaches its greatest expressions in France’s long, meandering Loire Valley. But I do not want folks to misconstrue these comments about vintage hype in the Rhône as my taking pot shots at other wine critics, as this is not the case. asked him six questions; he replied with over 10,000 words! think not. MORE >>