The Bottle I Regret Not Opening
There is a bottle sitting somewhere in my cellar that I have owned for years and still have not opened. A reflection on the bottles we save for a right moment that never quite arrives, and why restraint should never be mistaken for hoarding.
Château Angélus: Tradition, Power, and Modern Bordeaux
An exploration of Château Angélus, one of Saint Émilion’s most distinctive estates, and how its style reflects the balance between tradition and modern Bordeaux winemaking.It All Begins Here
The French 75: When Champagne Becomes a Cocktail
What the Wine List Says About the Hotel, Before You've Read a Word
I have a habit, wherever I am staying, of asking for the wine list before I have even unpacked. A personal read on what a hotel's wine list quietly reveals about everything else it does, and does not, get right.
The One Pairing Worth Knowing, Not Fifty
Search for wine and cheese pairing and you will find charts, dozens of them, mostly useless at the exact moment you need them. Why one properly understood pairing, aged Comté and mature white Burgundy, is worth more than fifty memorised in a hurry.
Domaine François Carillon: Puligny-Montrachet Chardonnay Guide
An exploration of Domaine François Carillon in Puligny-Montrachet, known for precise, balanced Chardonnay that reflects the purity and structure of white Burgundy.
Does the Glass Really Matter? A Guide to Cocktail Glassware
The Sommelier Who Talks You Out of the Expensive Bottle
The Art of Wine Pairing (Without Overthinking It)
A considered approach to wine pairing, focusing on balance, simplicity, and how to match wine to a dish without overcomplicating the process.
The Art of Holding a Wine Glass
A simple guide to holding a wine glass correctly, including why the stem matters, when exceptions apply, and how small details shape the experience.
Burgundy En Primeur: What It Is, Why It Still Matters, and How to Approach It
A considered guide to Burgundy En Primeur, explaining how early wine buying works, why it matters, and how to approach it with clarity and restraint.
The Negroni: A Classic Cocktail, and Why It Endures
A refined look at the Negroni, its origins, structure, and why this classic cocktail remains one of the most balanced and enduring drinks.
Harvest Season: When Wine Is Decided Before It Exists
A guide to wine harvest season, explaining how timing, picking decisions, and vineyard conditions shape the character of a vintage.
The Art of the Aperitif
Inside the Minibar: What a Top Hotel Wine Selection Really Says
A considered look at a top calibre hotel minibar, and what its wine selection reveals about modern luxury, taste, and intention.
When to Decant Wine (and When Not To)
A considered guide to when wine benefits from decanting, and when restraint is the more elegant choice.
Roagna: Traditional Barbaresco and Barolo, Made with Patience
An exploration of Roagna, a traditional producer in Barbaresco and Barolo, known for long macerations, site expression, and Nebbiolo wines built for time.
The Last Drink of the Evening
Most of an evening's drinking gets planned in advance. The last drink is different, and rarely decided until the meal is already over. A reflection on what the nightcap is really for, and why it should feel like the evening exhaling, not continuing to perform.
Wine Glasses: What You Need, and What to Leave Behind
A clear guide to wine glassware, including what shapes matter, what to prioritise, and how to build a simple, elegant collection.
Bubbles: A Champagne Guide
A refined guide to Champagne styles, including Brut, rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and Blanc de Noirs, and how to choose and serve them with ease.