Decanter December 2020

Decanter PREMIUM DECANTER PREMIUM COLLECTOR’S GUIDE: NAPA VALLEY California is a vast treasure trove for wine lovers and the top Cabernet Sauvignondriven wines of Napa Valley, in particular, are increasingly prominent on the fine wine market. Spend even just a few days in California wine country and you’ll be struck by the diversity of wines on offer, from niche varietal bottlings to the depth and breadth of Cabernet Sauvignon-driven styles. Standout vintages like 2016 and 2013 have generated significant press, but current-release Cabs from the more challenging 2017 vintage also display precision in the cellar and terroir-focused approach. ‘Even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus [One] can deliver balance and sculpted elegance,’ said Decanter’s Jane Anson, after a recent tasting. Some merchants see Napa Valley as a rising star…

Californians stoic despite latest fire losses A fierce wildfire has damaged several historic Napa Valley wineries and part of the Meadowood luxury resort, as well as destroyed homes, but winemakers have vowed to rebuild. Thousands were evacuated across parts of Napa and Sonoma Counties and more than 1,500 structures were destroyed as firefighters battled the fast-spreading Glass Fire that ignited in California on 27 September. Several wineries reported damage. Cain Vineyard in Spring Mountain District lost its winery alongside the homes of three families living at the estate. Howell Mountain’s Burgess Cellars saw its winery destroyed, but new owners the Lawrence family (Heitz Cellar) and Carlton McCoy Jr said vineyards were mainly spared. ‘We are incredibly grateful that our team members are unharmed and thankful for the wonderful firefighters,’ said McCoy Jr. LVMH-owned Newton Vineyard…

n A former wine distributor has been sentenced to 24 months in prison by a New York court after pleading guilty to stealing more than $500,000 from investors. Joseph Falcone, 60, told investors his ‘3G’s Vino LLC’ company would use the money to buy and distribute a wine product featured on TV show ‘Shark Tank’. He must also pay $1.8m in restitution to seven investors. n New film Wine & War charts Lebanon’s winemaking history and the challenges faced by wineries during conflict and political instability at different points in the last few decades. Based on the book Wines of Lebanon by journalist Michael Karam, it can be downloaded from www.wineandwar.com. Proceeds go to the CAP-HO charity, which helps to provide care for children at St George hospital, Beirut. n…

The art of wine Terroir: above and below St-Emilion, Bordeaux The village of St-Emilion sits in the centre of the appellation, atop the famous limestone plateau, from which blocks of fossil-rich limestone were excavated to build the village. Beneath the streets, and under 80ha of the surrounding estates, stretch nearly 200km of maze-like galleries – the legacy of nearly a thousand years of extraction. Photograph: Michael C Higgins, as published in the book…

Scintillating Spain I opened your November issue with the usual relish to find your Bordeaux en primeur report and a guide to the wines of Spain. I am more than happy to read the Bordeaux notes, with the usual descriptors of ‘grip’, ‘cassis’, ‘power’ and ‘precision’, but where was my excitement? It was firmly in the Spain supplement. What an exciting country, never afraid to tread the balance between tradition and innovation. Particularly interesting was David Williams’ article on ‘Off-beat grape varieties’, opening up a treasure trove of native and lesser known delights. Looking for value and excitement? I know where I’m going! Jonny Tyson, Southfields, London, UK BLM and wine First Andrew Jefford gave Decanter readers a guilt trip about drinking wine because of climate change. Now he’s trying to turn black lives…

News A month in wine All the important issues affecting you across the globe, compiled by Chris Mercer Californians stoic despite latest fire losses A fierce wildfire has damaged several historic Napa Valley wineries and part of the Meadowood luxury resort, as well as destroyed homes, but winemakers have vowed to rebuild. Thousands were evacuated across parts of Napa and Sonoma Counties and more than 1,500 structures were destroyed as firefighters battled the fast-spreading Glass Fire that ignited in California on 27 September. Several wineries reported damage. Cain Vineyard in Spring Mountain District lost its winery alongside the homes of three families living at the estate. Howell Mountain’s Burgess Cellars saw its winery destroyed, but new owners the Lawrence family (Heitz Cellar) and Carlton McCoy Jr said vineyards were mainly…