2009 vintage: tasting pinot noir grapes

Driving through Burgundy last week, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the beauty of the vines. Everything was so lush, and green, it just radiated health and vibrancy. The color of the vines was almost spring-like. No yellow, brown or red as can be common this time of year, right before harvest. No, this…

Psychedelic risotto @ Castel de Tres Girard

It was what we call bonus sunshine. Sun when everyone said it would rain. The kind of day where you feel strange putting on a big coat. But after an hour’s tasting in a cool cellar, you’re really glad you kept the extra lining in your coat. It’s actually a tough season for tasting in…

Michel Magnien Morey St Denis Les Mont Luisants 2001 (demi)

Morey St Denis Les Mont Luisants is a 1er Cru and a Village level wine. This wine is a village level because it is upper altitude (the highest part of this already high altitude terroir). High altitude was not an advantage in 2001except for the super chalky soil which gives good drainage (2001 was a…