Category Archives: Wine

Bordeaux 2017: Despite Adversity, a Solid Vintage

By Christopher Matthews The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux was…complicated, and rife with pitfalls: an epic spring frost, the worst since 1991; damaging hail storms; a dry but cloudy summer; and rain in mid-September, adding drama to the harvest period. Overall … Continue reading

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Jefferson Vindicated: Virginia Wines Wow Wine Media Guild

By Christopher Matthews Somewhere, Thomas Jefferson is smiling. The Founding Father, third US President and first oenophile-in-chief tried mightily to establish European (vinifera) grape varieties in his gardens and vineyards around Monticello, but encountered only failure, for reasons he mainly … Continue reading

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Fjord, Hudson-Chatham and Cab Franc: Big Winners at 2019 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition

By Christopher Matthews On a beautiful early September day at the Dutchess County Fairgounds this past Saturday, the  Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition (HVWSC) once again took place. As usual, some results were expected, some were surprising, but overall, the judging experience … Continue reading

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Whitecliff’s “Olana” Cab Franc Strikes Gold at NY Wine Classic

By Christopher Matthews At a recent — and first-ever — group tasting of the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) wineries, one of my standout wines was Whitecliff Vineyards‘ 2017 Olana Vineyard Cabernet Franc. It seems that I am not alone in … Continue reading

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A Big First: HV Cab Franc Coalition Showcases New Releases & Cellar Gems

By Christopher Matthews In its first-ever group tasting, the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) kicked off  with an impressive bang on 30 May 2019, hosted by Nostrano Vineyards in its picturesque, wine-country setting. The eight legacy coalition members — … Continue reading

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Va, Va Vaucluse! Le Pigeoulet Rouge

By Christopher Matthews The Vaucluse, a French district (département) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, lies in the heart of southern Rhone Valley. And while the Vaucluse is not well-know here, neither geographically nor in terms of wine, it encompasses many of the most revered … Continue reading

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A Cheverny for All Seasons: Domaine du Salvard

By Christopher Matthews A lingering late-winter cold spell here in the northeast US probably has most folks still jonesing for substantial comfort food dishes, paired with big, hearty reds to wash them down. This is a natural — and laudable … Continue reading

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Bordeaux 2016: A Winning Vintage of Elegant, Energetic Wines

By Christopher Matthews The temperature outside the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan on 21 January was in single digits, but the reception by the industry throng inside the cavernous … Continue reading

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Wine Media Guild Explores Portugal

By Christopher Matthews During its long history, especially during the Age of Discovery, Portugal has been known as a nation of explorers, something that allowed the (then) small kingdom to punch far above its weight for centuries as a colonial … Continue reading

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2018 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition: Benmarl Sweeps Top Awards

By Christopher Matthews One year ago, Benmarl Winery shared the coveted Winery of the Year award (with Tousey Winery) at the 2017 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition (HVWSC). At the 2018 HV competition, held this past Saturday in Rhinebeck, … Continue reading

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