Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 354,169 strong:

Register Today!
L.J. Palmer WSET 3

L.J. Palmer WSET 3

Dopff Pinot Blanc 2022

Alsace A.O.C., France
19 hours, 41 minutes ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

Pale gold in colour, dry, close to medium bodied, medium plus acidity and persistent nose of ripe yellow apple, pear, peach with nice minerality and white flowers. A lovely spritzy mouthfeel; a pleasant weight. Lovely wine with friends and a selection of cheeses. very nice on its own

La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage 2018

Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône A.P., France
1 day, 22 hours ago

L.J. scored this wine: 93/100

The wine is deep ruby, dry, medium acidity at most, smooth and silky tannin and a pronounce aroma of dark fruit (primarily cherry), black pepper, savoury herbs like rosemary and thyme, black olive, a nice meaty and savoury note and black licorice.Heaven in the mouth! Paired wonderfully with foccacia studded with rosemary sprigs, roasted garlic and red peppers, and good olive oil and lamb koftas drizzled with rosemary infused olive oil. Iberico cheese with rosemary crusted rind was wonderful too. Wonderful on it's own too. Madagascar 65% dark chocolate from Stubbe was the best dark chocolate with it (tasted 4 other single origin chocolates). Purchased in 2022 and tasted October 2025; well worth the wait and the enhanced flavour from extra age in bottle.

Brut Tradition

Leblond-Lenoir Pascal Brut Tradition Champagne

Champagne A.C., France
11 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

Non vintage Brut champagne, made from 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Blanc (from winery notes). Definite honeyed plum/apricot notes, with toasted brioche and ripe apple. A fine persistent mousse, perfect for special celebrations. We celebrated graduation day with a nicely chilled bottle with lemon tortas and kettle cooked chips!

Reif Chardonnay 2020

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
46 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

The wine is medium lemon in colour, dry, of medium acidity and full body. It has a pronounced nose of ripe peach and pear, with a trace of vanilla and baking spice. Tasted this wine with a rich seafood pie of shrimp and smoked haddock; a satisfactory pairing. A pairing of Rabel Iberico cheese (mix of cow, goat and sheep milk) was excellent; wine and cheeses complemented each other nicely. I expect a cheese fondue (Gruyere/Emmental cheese based) would pair well too.

51 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 89/100

This blend of Baco Noir and Merlot is deep ruby coloured, dry, medium acidity and tannin and medium bodied. It has a pronounced nose of dusty cocoa, dark cherry, plum and baking spice. It has a smooth mouthfeel and and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled lamb or a wedge of cheddar cheese.

L.J. Palmer WSET 3

Current Fav Wine

Whatever's in my glass; weakness for Chablis, Burgundian style Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône style Syrah and Ribero del Duero from Spain

more
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award