Fine Vintage Wine Blog by James Cluer MW

Wine Blog

Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner Buchegger, Gebling, 2011 Austria Austria is quickly marking a mark on the international wine scene for her unique Gruner Veltliners. At a tasting of this varietal alongside top white Burgundies Jancis Robinson MW commented that the Gruner’s were superior. The finest regions are in Lower Austria, in the Kamptal and Kremstal districts. Here, ...[view more]

By: James Cluer May 21, 2013

Sweet Chenin Blanc

Sweet Chenin Blanc Chateau de Fesles, AC Bonnezeaux, 2010 Loire valley, France Chateau de Fesles is considered to be the leading estate in the tiny Loire valley appellation of Bonnezeaux. The property can trace its history back to 1070, owned by a succession of families who fell in love with the great sweet wines of ...[view more]

By: James Cluer May 13, 2013

Malbec

Malbec Luigi Bosca, Lujan de Cuyo, Reserva, 2010 Mendoza, Argentina Argentina has a long winemaking history, dating back hundreds of years ago. The early European settlers brought vine cuttings with them and planted vineyards. Today, drinking red wine with meals is very much a part of daily Argentine culture. Luigi Bosca was established in 1901. ...[view more]

By: James Cluer May 06, 2013

A new benchmark in the Okanagan

Culmina Family Estate Winery – Okanagan Valley I recently went to visit Don Triggs’ new winery in the Okanagan Valley, called Culmina. I’ve never been so impressed by a new winery in Canada. And it’s not even open yet. First, some background. Don Triggs is, along with Donald Ziraldo and a small handful of others, ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 27, 2013

Malbec

Malbec Cuvelier, Los Andes 2009 Mendoza, Argentina Cuvelier is one of the most prominent families in Bordeaux, owning several chateaux, including 2nd growth Ch. Leoville Poyferre, a fabulous estate in St Julien. The company was started as a merchant house in 1804, shipping wines to the wealthy towns of northern France. As early as 1914 ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 22, 2013

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer Gustav Lorentz, Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim, 2010 Alsace, France Gewurztraminer reaches its pinnacle of quality in Alsace. And since 1836 Gustav Lorentz has been producing some of the finest examples. When harvested from a top site, such as this Grand Cru vineyard, and the yields are kept low, you can produce one of ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 15, 2013

Semillon

Semillon McWilliams, Mount Pleasant, Elisabeth, 2006 Hunter Valley, Australia McWilliams Mount Pleasant Winery was rated 5 stars by the leading Australian wine critic, James Halliday. In this small region, just a few hours north of Sydney, one of the world’s very best white wines is produced. It is a well-kept secret. And it’s called aged ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 10, 2013

Amarone

Amarone Tommasi, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2009 Veneto, Italy There are a handful of Amarone producers that command international respect for their truly fine wines. Tommasi is unquestionably on that list. Established in 1902, the 4th generation now steers the ship. It’s a classic Italian family affair. The flagship wine of the company is this ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 08, 2013

Amarone

Amarone Masi, Amarone della Valpolicella, 2008 Veneto, Italy We were thrilled to find this outstanding Amarone from the famous producer Masi. It won in our blind tasting of dozens of wines. Amarone is made in a very unusual way. First, the grape varieties that are used are generally unknown and only found in this region ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 05, 2013

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, 2011 Alsace, France There are a handful of truly iconic wineries in Alsace. Zind-Humbrecht stands tall among them. The winemaker and owner, Olivier Zind-Humbrecht, is one of the few Masters of Wine in France. He practices bio-dynamic farming techniques. This means the vineyard is farmed in an ultra-organic way and the earth’s ...[view more]

By: James Cluer April 03, 2013

The Fine Vintage Wine Blog by James Cluer, MW. Discover our wine blog to learn more about wine around the world. Enjoy spirited commentary by Master of Wine, James Cluer and his associates as they offer their opinions, news and views on the subject of wine. Humorous, clever musings that you can enjoy while sitting back and enjoying a fine glass of wine!

The Fine Vintage Wine Blog by James Cluer MW features commentary, upcoming wine events, reviews and tips and tricks for selecting a good bottle of wine. Get informed, gain inside information and broaden your knowledge about wine. Enjoy the stories and participate in discussions about our favourite topic that we live and breathe - wine.

James Cluer is a Master of Wine. James owns Fine Vintage Ltd, a company that consults to airlines, governments, luxury hotel chains, and major retailers. He also operates 6 professional wine schools and writes James Cluer Selects, a publication that provides consumers with a list of the best wines to buy.