WINE > Burguet, Gevrey-Chambertin “Symphonie”, 2019 (18/20)

There are Gevrey-Chambertin producers who chase power for its own sake, and there are those who chase precision instead. Jean-Luc & Eric Burguet belong unmistakably to the second camp. The "Symphonie" is the domaine's village-level flagship, a blend drawn from several small parcels — including En Billard and La Justice — planted on clay-limestone soils…

ByCrispinSeptember 15, 20260Comments

DRINK > BARS DRINK > BURGUNDY

DRINK > Caves de l’Abbaye, Beaune, Burgundy (18/20)

Step from Beaune’s winding, cobbled heart into Caves de l’Abbaye, and you’re greeted by the cool hush of a centuries-old cellar—a true Burgundy hideaway shaped from vaulted stone. Beneath low arches, the glow is candle-soft, shadows flicker against wine-streaked walls, and every table feels like a private alcove ready for pure vinous discovery. AMBIENCE >…

BySimonAugust 2, 20250Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago NZ (2021)

There are Pinots that gently introduce themselves, and then there are Pinots that make the room go quiet for a moment: Valli’s Bannockburn sits firmly among the latter. Bannockburn, the original Central Otago subregion for Pinot Noir, is famed for clay-schist soils and sun drenched, cool-climate vines—and winemaker Grant Taylor’s assured touch means every bottle…

ByCrispinJuly 20, 20250Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Quealy Musk Creek Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula Australia

APPEARANCE & AROMA > A luminous garnet in the glass, Musk Creek Pinot Noir immediately impresses with its clarity and vibrancy. The nose is beguiling—florals, wild strawberry, and a touch of rose petal, underpinned by exotic spice (think Sichuan pepper) and forest floor. There’s a sense of autumn leaves and earthiness, lending complexity and…

ByCrispinJune 14, 20250Comments

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Giant Steps Vineyard

Giant Steps was founded by Phil Sexton in 1997 he had come across from Margaret River in Western Australia in search of somewhere to grow and make outstanding Burgundy varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He the first site near Gruyere planting the Sexton vineyard on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Being a…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 20240Comments

DRINK > KYOTO

DRINK > Wine Bar Fleur Parf, Kyoto

It is a quiet street in the Shimogyo Ward of Kyoto where we found Wine Bar Fleur Parf, it is hidden at the end of a long passage (lit by lamps on the ground), past a beautiful courtyard garden to the bar at the back. There you find a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle…

ByCrispinApril 8, 20240Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Domaine Joblot – Clos Du Celliers Aux Moines – Givry 1er Cru, 2019 (90/100)

Givry is located in the centre of the Côte Chalonnnaise, just south of Mercurey, the terroir there is largely composed of a rocky limestone, some clay and sandstone. Clos du Celliers is a Premier Cru sub region of Givry and was a vineyard originally established Cistercian Monks the year 1130 who it as…

ByCrispinMarch 8, 20240Comments

DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

DRINK > François Lumpp Givry 1er Cru ‘Crausot’ 2020 (94/100)

Crausot is a relatively recent premier cru, established in the 1990's, the vineyard sits at the southern tip of the appellation. Soils are very calcareous driving complexity and minerality. The Lumpp family originally come from Baden, Germany and emigrated to France in the late 1800's. Two brothers François and Vincent began…

ByEd ItorFebruary 9, 20240Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Apsley Gorge, Pinot Noir 2020 (95/100)

Apsley Gorge Vineyard was founded in 1990 by former abalone diver and lobster fisherman Brian Franklin. He planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes on a 7 hectare plot of land near Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast at the entrance to the Apsley Gorge. Apsley Gorge Winery sits right on the sea at Bicheno. WINERY The region…

ByCrispinDecember 12, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (97/100 points)

I have to admit a little bias, this wine is one of my absolute 'go to' favourites and has been for about the last 5 years. Giant Steps make a number of single vineyard pinot noir releases but for me it has always been the AppleJack Vineyard that delivered a perfect palate of fruit,…

ByCrispinOctober 16, 20230Comments