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The Journal

October 31 2024

Discovering Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter

Burgundy

Attending the Clos de Vougeot masterclass at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter was a rare treat, an incredible chance to…

Written by Manon Millot

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October 22 2024

Decant / De-can’t, when do you pour yours?

Bordeaux

Pouring wine from a bottle into another serving vessel, to remove sediment or aid oxygenation, should be as simple as…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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October 11 2024

Berries to Barrels: Barreling and Beyond!

Burgundy

While the Corton-Charlemagne and Pernand-Vergelesses quietly crackle in their barrels, it’s time for the five reds to be devatted. Simon…

Written by Manon Millot

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October 8 2024

How To Start A Wine Collection

Bordeaux

  Collecting wine is a fantastic hobby. Buying special cases or bottles, tucking them away and thinking about when you’ll…

Written by Chris Kelly

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October 4 2024

Berries to Barrels: Beginning of the Fermentation

Burgundy

After the excitement of the harvest, everything has calmed down. The sun has been replaced by rain, and the cold…

Written by Manon Millot

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September 27 2024

Berries to Barrels: Wrapping up the Harvest 2024

Burgundy

Simon and his father Franck Follin-Arbelet.   The harvest season is wrapping up in Burgundy. The last grapes are being…

Written by Manon Millot

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September 17 2024

Burgfest report: 2020 Reds

Burgundy

To use a technical term, the Burgfest tasting of 2020 whites was an absolute belter.  I was amazed that such a…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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September 13 2024

Berries to Barrels: A Month in the Trenches at Domaine Follin-Arbelet

Burgundy

Burgundy 2024 Harvest and Winemaking Journal   Bienvenue to my Harvest and Winemaking Journal! For the next month, I'll be…

Written by Manon Millot

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September 11 2024

A sneak peek at Burgundy’s 2023 vintage – Matthew Hemming

Burgundy

Last week, during a rushed couple of days in Burgundy, I managed to steal a couple of afternoons to have…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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August 23 2024

A First Look at September’s Most Anticipated Wine Releases

Bordeaux

Get Ready for an Exceptional September 2024! While August is traditionally one of the slower months for the fine wine…

Written by Manon Millot

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August 16 2024

Groffier Dinner Report

Burgundy

For some years I have been fascinated by the wines of Domaine Robert Groffier.  At the Burgfest blind tastings I…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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August 6 2024

Chateau Rayas dinner – sometimes lightning does strike twice

Rhone

In June 2023 I remember pinching myself as I sat down to a dinner in Singapore with eight vintages of…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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July 10 2024

Salon, “the most sought-after Champagne among connoisseurs”

Champagne

Salon Champagne: The Best Of The Best Even in a region renowned for luxury and exclusivity, Salon Champagne stands out…

Written by Chris Kelly

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June 21 2024

Burgfest report: 2020 whites

Burgundy

That we were asking ourselves whether 2020 had provided the best ever white Burgfest tells you all you need to…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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May 2 2024

Bordeaux 2023 – Vintage Report

Bordeaux

Bordeaux 2023 is a vintage born out of an adversity that stretched from the climatic to market conditions and, beyond…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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April 26 2024

2023 Bordeaux First Impressions

Bordeaux

This is a short, overview report so let’s cut straight to the chase: in 20 years of primeurs tasting never have my expectations been so…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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April 19 2024

2023 Bordeaux En Primeur Is Coming

Bordeaux

It’s that time of year again, Bordeaux En Primeur is just around the corner. We expect the first releases of 2023s the week after…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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April 1 2024

Vintage report – Barolo 2020

Italy

  The northern Italian region of Piemonte is currently enjoying a golden age and has been blessed with a trio…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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March 15 2024

Krug Grande Cuvée

Champagne

Krug Grande Cuvee – A Unique Grande Marque Champagne Krug’s Grande Cuvee is one of the best of all Champagnes.…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 4 2024

Bryant Estate Tasting

California

Steve from the UK office recently had the pleasure of joining Bettina Bryant and KK Carothers of Napa’s incredible Bryant…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 16 2024

Burgundy 2022 Release Schedule

Burgundy

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a fine and consistent Burgundy vintage on our hands!  Very good wines and plenty of…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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February 2 2024

Bordeaux 2020: Southwold Tasting Report

Bordeaux

2020 is a remarkably consistent, extremely high quality, year for red Bordeaux.  The wines are much more classical – think…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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January 16 2024

Tasting Louis Latour’s 2022 Burgundies

Burgundy

Lush, Open and Delicious: Louis Latour’s 2022 Burgundies January traditionally sees the release of the latest Burgundy vintage. This year…

Written by Chris Kelly

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December 21 2023

2022 Burgundy – How wrong we were!

Burgundy

In 2022 the Burgfest tasting of 2018 reds fell during the early days of the harvest.  I have clear recollections…

Written by Manon Millot

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December 20 2023

Glenrothes: A Distillery Profile

Whisky

The Glenrothes Distillery is a single malt distillery located in the heart of Speyside in the town of Rothes.  …

Written by Chris Kelly

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December 13 2023

The Brora Distillery

Whisky

The Brora Distillery produces whiskies that capture the essence of the Scottish Highlands. Brora is located in the remote village…

Written by Chris Kelly

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December 11 2023

Littlemill Distillery

Whisky

The closed Lowland distillery of Littlemill had a rich heritage that dated back to the 18th century and current owners…

Written by Chris Kelly

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November 24 2023

Tasting Superstar Bordeaux: Chateau Canon and Chateau Rauzan-Segla

Bordeaux

Members of the Vinum UK team recently spent some time with Jean-Basil Roland from Chateau Rauzan-Segla and Chateau Canon tasting…

Written by Chris Kelly

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November 15 2023

Beausejour Duffau Lagarrosse: One of Bordeaux’s Great Terroirs

Bordeaux

In November 2023, the London team were treated to a tasting with Josephine Duffau-Lagarrosse of St Emilion’s Chateau Beausejour Duffau…

Written by Chris Kelly

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October 27 2023

Dominus – Napa Flair With Bordeaux Panache

California

The release of the 2020 vintage of Dominus prompted us to look at the history and style of this rising…

Written by Chris Kelly

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September 26 2023

Proper Napa class & a potential 100/100: Spottswoode 2020

California

Spottswoode belongs to an elite group of historic California producers including Ridge Vineyards, Dunn and Philip Togni. These estates craft…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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September 22 2023

The Bordeaux First Growths: The Left Bank’s Great Estates

Bordeaux

The five Bordeaux First Growths: Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux and Haut Brion represent the pinnacle of winemaking on…

Written by Chris Kelly

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September 13 2023

Cristal: Profile Of A Champagne Icon

Champagne

The flagship cuvée of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne is one of the most prestigious and famous wines in the world.…

Written by Chris Kelly

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August 29 2023

Beyond Bordeaux & back again

Bordeaux

September's suite of fine wine releases from La Place de Bordeaux is now well established in our calendars.  As we…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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August 17 2023

Bunnahabhain Distillery: Distinctive Islay Whiskies

Whisky

Nestled on the northeastern shores of the famous Isle of Islay in Scotland, Bunnahabhain Distillery is an icon of traditional…

Written by Chris Kelly

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August 8 2023

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne – The Epitome of Elegance

Champagne

Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne is easily among the world’s great Champagnes. The epitome of elegance, and finesse it is the…

Written by Chris Kelly

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July 24 2023

Fete Du Bourgogne: Tasting the 2019 Whites at Burgfest

Burgundy

Earlier this year the Burgfest tasting of 2019 white Burgundy delivered the most exciting, most satisfying and overall best Burgfest…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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July 18 2023

Vinum’s Fete du Bourgogne

Burgundy

Introducing Vinum's Fete du Bourgogne   The eagle-eyed may have spotted a reference to a special series of Burgundy offers…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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June 28 2023

Beaulieu Vineyards – Georges de Latour

California

Beaulieu  – A Resurgent Napa Icon   Founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour, Beaulieu was the benchmark for mid-twentieth…

Written by Chris Kelly

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June 23 2023

Highland Park Whisky – A Distillery Profile

Whisky

Dating back to 1798, the Highland Park distillery sits amongst the charming and rugged landscape of the Orkney Islands. Located…

Written by Chris Kelly

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May 30 2023

Casa Dragones Tequila – A Producer Profile

Spirits

Casa Dragones: ‘The best sipping Tequila in the world’.   CNN Travel have called this ‘the best sipping Tequila in…

Written by Chris Kelly

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May 25 2023

Pol Roger Winston Churchill Champagne

Champagne

Pol Roger Winston Churchill: Statesman-Like Champagne    Since its creation, Pol Roger Winston Churchill Champagne has garnered widespread acclaim. This…

Written by Chris Kelly

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May 5 2023

Bordeaux 2022 vintage report

Bordeaux

The cellars of Chateau Montrose house one of the great 2022s. Having spent a week immersed in 2022 barrel samples,…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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May 4 2023

Kavalan Distillery Profile

Whisky

Since producing its first spirit in 2006, Kavalan distillery in Taiwan has become one of the finest whisky producers in…

Written by Lena Bruning

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April 18 2023

Tasting report: Bordeaux 2000

Bordeaux

A review of 2000 Bordeaux with the Jeroboam Club tasting group in Bristol: Chateau Roc de Cambes 2000:  Absolutely on…

Written by Lena Bruning

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April 14 2023

2022 Bordeaux: First Impressions Ahead Of The Upcoming En Primeur Campaign by Matthew Hemming MW

Bordeaux

During the week before Easter Vinum’s Vice Chairman, Lindsay Hamilton, and I spent a couple of days in Bordeaux.  We were…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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April 4 2023

Inglenook Rubicon – An Historic Napa, Now Resurgent

California

  In March 2023, a member of the Vinum UK team was fortunate to attend a tasting of the Inglenook…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 31 2023

The Port Ellen Distillery – A Sleeping Giant

Whisky

Of all the closed Scottish distilleries, the Port Ellen Distilleryis surely the most revered.   The Port Ellen Distillery has…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 21 2023

Karuizawa – An iconic closed distillery

Whisky

Karuizawa - Japan's Smallest Distillery, Closed in 2000 Founded in 1955, Karuizawa was known as the smallest distillery in Japan,…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 17 2023

Glenfiddich – Widely credited with creating the modern single malt Scotch whisky

Whisky

The Glenfiddich distillery sits in the glen of the River Fiddich on the northern edge of Dufftown in Speyside. It…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 16 2023

The Best of The Andes: A Trip to Zuccardi of Argentina and Chadwick of Chile

Argentina

In February of 2023, a lucky member of the team travelled to South America as a guest of importer Hatch…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 10 2023

Ardbeg – Distillery Profile

Whisky

Ardbeg: A peaty, smokey Scotch Whisky from Islay.   Located on the island of Islay. Ardbeg is renowned not just…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 10 2023

The Abreu 2018s – Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Of The Very Top Tier

California

In February this year, we were invited to taste the magnificent 2018s from Abreu courtesy of the UK importer, Pol…

Written by Chris Kelly

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March 8 2023

Launch Tasting: Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015

Champagne

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 launch tasting with Didier Mariotti:   Very exciting tasting with Didier walking us through tasting…

Written by Lena Bruning

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March 2 2023

Profile On: The Dalmore Distillery

Whisky

The Dalmore Distillery Profile  Dalmore is a Highland distillery founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. In 1867, it was sold…

Written by Lena Bruning

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February 28 2023

Cheval Blanc Tasting

Bordeaux

On Wednesday this week, the Vinum UK team tasted through a range of wines from the Cheval Blanc stable with…

Written by Lena Bruning

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February 25 2023

2019: the first great vintage of Piemonte’s new era

Italy

2019 feels like a must for serious lovers of Barolo and Barbaresco – a worthy follow up to 2016 and…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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February 24 2023

Bowmore – Islay’s Oldest Distillery

Whisky

Bowmore Whisky: Profound and Collectable Scotch From Islay   The Bowmore whisky distillery is historic. It is believed to have…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 15 2023

Yamazaki Whisky – From Japan’s Most Famous Whisky Distillery

Whisky

Yamazaki is Japan’s most famous whisky distillery. Located in Shimamoto in Osaka province, just outside of Kyoto, Yamazaki is Japan’s…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 14 2023

The Best Wines Ever Made? Here Are Some Of The Finest Bottles In Existence

Wine

What are the best wines ever made? A team dinner brought up the question of what are the greatest fine…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 13 2023

A Spectacular Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

California

Spottswoode’s wines are rightly revered. Among the finest reds made in the Napa Valley, these Cabernet Sauvignons have achieved cult…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 7 2023

Glen Grant of Speyside – A Scotch Whisky Profile

Whisky

Glen Grant is located in the beautiful Speyside town of Rothes. It was founded by brothers John and James Grant…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 6 2023

The View of The Critics on The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vintage

Italy

2018 Brunello di Montalcino. We are starting to see releases of the 2018 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany’s world-renowned…

Written by Chris Kelly

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February 2 2023

Springbank – A Unique Whisky Distillery

Whisky

Springbank, a name that evokes memories of the most unforgettable, gently smoky, incredibly complex drams for many whisky lovers. Located…

Written by Chris Kelly

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January 27 2023

Bordeaux 2019 – Full report from the 2023 Southwold tasting

Bordeaux

Bordeaux 2019: the vintage that nearly got away - Matthew Hemming MW The 2019 Bordeaux campaign nearly fell victim to…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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January 20 2023

The Macallan – Profile of a Scotch Whisky Icon

Whisky

The Macallan is synonymous not just with whisky, but with prestige and luxury across the globe.   Macallan is a…

Written by Chris Kelly

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January 11 2023

Vintage Report: Burgundy 2021 by Matthew Hemming MW

Burgundy

Chiselled whites with the sort of ‘proper’ structure that’s becoming uncommon in our era of solar vintages. Elegant and fine-boned…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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December 22 2022

Dom Perignon – A Champagne Icon

Champagne

The most famous of Champagnes and one of the most recognisable brands on the planet, Dom Perignon is emblematic of…

Written by Chris Kelly

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December 16 2022

A Tasting of Dal Forno Amarone

Amarone

In November, I was treated to a tasting of Dal Forno Amarone and Valpolicella courtesy of the UK importer, Pol…

Written by Chris Kelly

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December 16 2022

Tasting At Taylors – The Lafite Of Portugal

Port

  Sometimes it takes a tasting at a winery, to remined you not just how special they are, but exactly…

Written by Chris Kelly

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November 24 2022

Annual Christmas Team Trip – Porto

Portugal

Day in Douro Valley: We took an early train through the beautiful valley to arrive at our first destination of…

Written by Lena Bruning

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October 14 2022

CVNE Rioja Trip – Chris Kelly

Rioja

Visit 1: CVNE’s Imperial Winery in Haro to Taste Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Our visit commenced with lunch at CVNE’s…

Written by Lena Bruning

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September 2 2022

Bordeaux 2018 – Full report from the 2022 Southwold tasting

Bordeaux

Having been interrupted by ‘you know what’ last year, in 2022 the Southwold Tasting returned to its usual January slot.  There…

Written by Matthew Hemming MW

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