Given that Molesworth does not rate barrel samples, is the the end of the magazine’s participation in en primeurs, the system of selling Bordeaux wines two years before the arrive? The Raneys will consult as well as spend more time in France. The Tour de France is, in many ways, a rolling promotion for France’s regions. MORE >>

Southern European countries have generally consumed more alcohol, had more lax policy but have lower rates of binge drinking. The whole constellation is being called into question now that “le binge drinking” has arrived in France. What causes binge drinking? Maybe it’s that the drink of choice is wine in the south. MORE >>

He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Wine Advocate I have had this wine three times out of bottle, rating it 97 once and 98 twice. MORE >>

But the rate may actually be higher than with young wines since the cork industry has taken some steps to reduce cork taint in recent decades.) Riesling, top Muscadet, cabernet franc from the Loire, top chenin blanc, some variations of Nebbiolo all are affordable yet age-worthy. Is mature wine relevant? MORE >>

failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel. MORE >>